Download Now: A Hiring Resource That Answers All Your Questions
Build your dream team from scratch.
Whether you are looking for that first awesome employee or you need to replace a member of your team, every. single. stage of hiring is hard work. And building the dream team from the ground-up?
To get good workers, you need to put in work.
Which is why we teamed up with Career Contessa to create the most comprehensive hiring resource. From figuring out how to find applicants, to sorting through resumes, to figuring out what questions to ask to sort through candidates, this download is over ten pages of pure gold.
Just because you're building your team, yes, your team doesn't mean you have to go at it solo.
What to Expect: C&C Chicago Conference 2018
From the Instagram moments to all the grub.
Hey C&C Chi-town squad! We are so excited to get the Chicago party at House of Vans started! There are so many amazing things coming your way, but before we get any closer to the big day, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect. Besides the jam-packed speaker lineup and beautiful greenery ambiance provided by Bloomscape, the day is full of Instagrammable moments, shopping, food and drinks, and tons of inspiration. Get ready!
WeWork Attendee Happy Hour
If you’ve never been to a C&C Attendee Happy Hour the night before a conference, you are in for a treat. Please bring your badge, found inside your super-cute C&C box, or email confirmation for entrance.
You'll get to mix, mingle and network with fellow boss ladies and conferences attendees. Don't forget to bring your business cards and snap some selfies with your new friends!
WHEN: August 24th, 2018 | 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: WeWork, 20 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654
On to the Conference...
Eat Up
Breakfast: Enjoy an assortment of breakfast items to start the morning off right, courtesy of Health-Ade kombucha.
Lunch: A delicious array of your favorite sweetgreen salads will be available to choose from during our lunch hour.
Break: McDonald's will provide craveable and delicious Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, World Famous Fries® and everyone's favorite ice cream!
Mentor Power Hour
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, our Mentor Power Hour will allow attendees to connect with experts from different industries. Those looking for advice on launching or managing their businesses will get the 411 from experts in respective fields from this extensive hour of real-talk advice, information, and Q&A time.
All-day Fun
Pop-up Market
Stop by the McDonald's pop-up office and speed pitch your business plan for a chance to win a $5,000 grant towards your business! A winner will be announced prior to our final keynote of the day. Pitching happens during breakfast, lunch, break and happy hour.
Are you an Old Skool type or a Checkerboard Slip-on kind of girl? Pop by the VANS pop-up to shop the latest and greatest from our amazing host. VIPS will receive an opportunity to customize their own pair!
Need a hand while you're on-site? Look for the ladies decked out in all VANS gear & they'll be able to help you out.
Step inside a real-life wedding with WeddingWire through the day, their pop-up will transition from an inspo-worthy reception tablescape to the after-party to end all after parties. Take your wedding personality quiz, earn prizes, snap a polaroid and walk away ready for your big day!
The OGX braiding and styling station will features vanities and top notch hairstylists who will be providing guests will dry hairstyling and product sampling throughout the day.
Beauty touch-ups and product sampling from some of Nordstrom Beauty's top-selling beauty brands plus a floral moment that will make you SWOON!
JCPenney will be hosting a one-stop shop for the business girl on the go. Try on a new fall jacket, update your professional headshot and grab a customized desk nameplate before you go! It's girl-power in the corner office!
Get your collagen fix at the Vital Proteins pop-up shop. Vital Proteins' products are natural sources of protein, that provide nourishing collagen promote collagen production in our bodies, which we all need more of as we age.
Pacifica Beauty wants to know what your superpower is! Stop by to partake in their celebration of crystal power and spin the prize wheel for a special gift. Holographic crystals go to those who take a snap at their "What's Your Superpower" photo moment.
Are you the “the influencer”, “the collaborator” or “the heart” of your team? Find out at the Microsoft Teams pop-up! Snap a pic at the Microsoft photo booth, experience the interactive wall, and download Microsoft Teams for the chance to win a cool prize.
Step into the visual world of Shopstyle and discuss monetizing your blog and social channels with their knowledgeable account managers. Learn more about their campaigns and exciting new opportunities to expand your influence. Don't have a Shopstyle account yet? What are you waiting for?! Sign up with one of their team members on site at the event!
Stop by to get your hair braided by one of Sexy Hair's "Knotty Bar" stylists and step out with a whole new look for the rest of your C&C Chicago experience
Need a cozy pit stop? Experience fall in Lake Michigan with Serena & Lily, by grabbing a spot around the bonfire and settling in for some s'mores and giveaways.
Stop by the RXBAR pop-up for a photo op with your new besties and grab your custom-made box of RXBARs on your way to the next big thing.
Find out your negotiator style at the LUNA pop-up. Are you a peacekeeper, mix-master or prizefighter? Walk away with a pin that fits your style.
Brows in need of a touch-up? Check in at the Mary Kay Brow Bar for an "eye-opening" session with global makeup ambassador, Luis Casco.
#FollowYourGut to the Health-Ade pop-up and get inspired with some dream office goals, while sipping your favorite flavor of best-tasting kombucha around.
Dyson is a company founded on innovation. In our hair laboratories, we invented methods of testing to combat real-world hair problems like loss of natural shine, lack of smoothness and extreme heat damage. Stop by Dyson’s Hair Lab to discover how to maintain your hair every day. Enjoy touch-ups with the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer and get expert styling advice, and then strike a pose in front of the Dyson shimmer wall.
Think you’ve got great style? So do we! So much so in fact, that we think you should consider becoming a personal stylist. Stop by the cabi suite for a complimentary styling session. Learn all about cabi’s unique career opportunity that lets you be the boss, call your own shots...and look absolutely fabulous doing it! We know you’ll love your look, so you can order one piece from cabi’s Fall 2018 Collection after your session, on the house. Spots are limited, and by appointment only—RSVP here.
Don’t compromise your beauty routine. Sample some of Biossance's best-selling products IRL and get glowed up before the day is over.
Today's the day for #YourBestHair, which means you ought to make time to try out Living Proof's brand new Perfect Hair Day Body Builder. Living Proof's styling consultants will be there to show you just how to create customizable body with the twist of a nozzle (it's never been so simple!) And because customization is everything, you'll also want to get in line and snag your own personalized, embroidered clutch.
Say "oui" to DIY! Sample some delicious French-inspired Yoplait yogurt and get crafty with their glass pots to make some new home decor à la The Oui Atelier.
Drink up and get your IG content while sipping everyone's favorite cans of fizz, made to order by their very own LA Croix mixologist.
Embrace the future! Experience the Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-In Hybrid on display. Take advantage of the Volvo VIP viewing area for the best seat in the house.
Curious to know where your creativity will take you next? Get your tarot cards read and learn the best practices for creators, direct from the Pinterest team, themselves.
Create & Caffeinate all day long. Stay energized all day with endless coffee breaks from Stumptown.
Self Care ladies! Time to take care of yourself and sample some OLLY vitamins and snap cute pics with fellow attendees.
The Grub
Stay hydrated throughout the day with fresh juices courtesy of Harvest Juicery.
Pair your drinks with treats from La Bodega, Barrio, and BomboBar.
JCPenney Happy Hour
Pre-game the last keynote of the day thanks to JCPenney. Fashion meets fine cocktails during our Chicago conference happy hour. Meet your fellow create & cultivators, speakers and mentors before Jennifer Hudson hits the stage.
VIP Perks
If you snagged a VIP ticket, read below for details on all of the fun you’ll be getting throughout the day.
During breakfast, head to the WorkParty Library Lounge to pick up your signed copy of WorkParty. Check your Welcome Box for your your special ticket to grab yours.
Use your VIP badge to experience an interactive VIP WeWork lounge and private glam stations.
Pop by the VIP exclusive Chandon bar serving Chandon Aluminum and single-serving bottles filled with delicious Sweet Star, specially designed for the on-the-go lifestyle. Chandon Aluminum is light enough to pack for the park, beach or any other outdoor adventure you have planned. Complemented by floral notes, Chandon California Sweet Star is a blend of crisp Chardonnay and luscious Pinot Noir, resulting in a semi-sweet sparkling delight.
Do It For The Gram
If you’ve ever been to a C&C, then you already know there will be tons of IG-worthy content. Get ahead of your timeline planning and get familiar with some of the Instagrammable moments you’ll find.
Find out why Vince Camuto wants the “The world at your feet.” Snap a pic at their swoon-worthy photo moment.
BIC® Soleil® razors know that 88% of women shave for themselves! Stop by the BIC® Soleil® razor booth to take a dip in the tub and share why you shave – you might even walk away with a special gift from BIC to celebrate #WhyIShave.
Plus, so many more photo-worthy moments brought to you by Create & Cultivate. We'll keep you hanging on these though... :)
END OF DAY SURPRISE
At the end of the day, we're dropping a *MAJOR* surprise announcement. We can't share any details just yet so you'll just have to wait and see.
PRO TIPS
Things to Bring With You to C&C
Your badge & mentor cards! They will get you in and get you where you need to go!
Make sure to plan ahead with all of the things you want to hit up day-of. It’s a day filled to the brim with activities, so coming with a game-plan is key.
Also, in the spirit of good networking, make sure to pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day, so don’t shortchange yourself.
Keep an eye out for your attendee welcome kit that should be coming in the mail! We are so excited for you to receive—and make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateCHI!
Who's ready!? Comment below to say hello to fellow attendees.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
C&C Classifieds: Becca PR, Shine Influencers, Erin Condren, & More
Application sent.
We're back with another fresh batch of C&C Classifieds for you to keep on your radar.
Thinking of stepping into the PR game? Need an internship to amp up your credentials? We have all of that in store for you this week.
From power moves in the Big Apple to content positions in our home of California. Check these out and see if your interests align!
Becca PR - NY, NY
Shine Influencers - LA, CA
How To Go From Being Best Friends To Successful Business Partners
Collaboration over competition.
A lot of us have a friend who we've considered doing business with. Along the way, you've likely heard a lot of backlash about getting into business with a friend, and in turn ruining your friendship. Because nobody wants that, and we want to inspire women collaborating with one another, we're highlighting five dynamic BFF duos who have taken ideas, brought them to life, and created profitable and successful businesses. In honor of International Day of Friendship, take note of the following friends turned business partners to get inspired and ready to collaborate.
Marianna Hewitt & Lauren Gores- Summer Fridays
The bloggers turned entrepreneurs launched their skincare brand, Summer Fridays, earlier this year. Starting with just one product, the Jet Lag Mask, the social-first brand has skyrocketed to success. The duo knew they'd be the ideal set of business partners because they both felt that something was missing from the skincare market. They took matters into their own hands and together they curated something with good-for-you ingredients.
Devin Brugman & Natasha Oakley- Monday Swimwear
@tashoakley
Bikini connoisseur Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman expanded their brand from blogging to a full swimwear line, Monday Swimwear. The two are also known for promoting body-positivity and wanted to create a line of high-end swimwear that made everyone feel good, regardless of their body type. They're best friends who travel the world together and continuously roll out new products to share with the world.
Gabi Gregg & Nicolette Mason- Premme
@premme.us
Plus-size industry leaders Gabi Gregg and Nicolette Mason are known for breaking rules and pushing boundaries. They created Premme, a trend-forward line of plus-size clothing after recognizing that the fashion industry was lacking just that. They incorporate the wants and needs of plus-size women into every piece. With their experience as fashion editors and design consultants along with their friendship, the two decided to team up and address these gaps in the fashion market.
Lauren Conrad & Hannah Skvarla- The Little Market
The Little Market is an online fair trade shop founded by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla, where beautiful products created by artisans across the globe can be purchased. Their artisan partners improve the quality of life throughout their communities in ways such as business training, literacy workshops, health programs and more, all while caring for their families. Both founders wanted to empower women artisans through purchases.
Katrina Scott & Karena Dawn- Tone It Up
@karenadawn
Karena and Katrina are experts in fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Their love for those three interests inspired them to create Tone It Up, an online destination and lifestyle brand that now reaches millions of women committed to wellness through content, social media, meal plans, exercises programs, and more. Their common interests and healthy business relationship have led them to now being the owners of a multi-million dollar brand with 40% growth year over prior year.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
This Simple Trick For Building Your Confidence At Work Will Surprise You
Pucker up.
Let's face it, important meetings are stressful, overwhelming, and can determine how the rest of your week goes. Don't let these upcoming conversations put you in a rut because after all confidence is key when it comes to getting your point across and being heard. Rather than stressing over what to do or what to say, we have a simple step that can help you look and feel your best so that the bosses don't get you down.
While looks aren't everything, a slight touch of personality can score you major brownie points with your team, managers, colleagues, etc. In honor of National Lipstick Day, we've partnered with Nordstrom Beauty to bring you seven different lip colors to wear to your next meeting, to be your most confident and boss-lady self. If you're wondering what lipstick can do to your mood and how it can affect your day, a previous study conducted by Edith Cowan University showed that out of 300 female studies, 85% agreed that lipstick made them feel 'very confident', and 82% said lipstick made them feel 'very good about themselves'.
Whether you're a vibrant spirit or one of the quiet ones, there's a shade out there that can lift your spirit and bring your best businesswoman forward. Take a look at our picks below and let us know which one is favorite in the comments section below!
MAC Red Lipstick in Ruby Woo
You can never go wrong with a signature red lipstick. This hue is captivating, classic, and practically screams boss. This is perfect for those who like to light up the room and are known for being straight-up in the conference room.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Luminous Modern-Matte Lipstick in Pillow Talk
For those who'd rather not swipe on a bright shade of red, this best-selling shade is great for keeping in your work bag. Even if you're not big on makeup, a little dab of this is great before a presention to your team.
Tom Ford Boys & Girls Lip Color- The Girls in Katherine
Who doesn't love a good nude? If you like to keep things neutral when it comes to your look at work, there's still a great lip shade to get you through the day. This one is limited-edition so if you're thinking about it, you better act fast.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Dusty Rose
Gone are the days when wearing anything too colorful was frowned upon at the office. Say goodbye to those old corporate standards and whip out this rosy color if that's what you like to wear! We bet your coworkers will be asking you what you're wearing in no time.
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Chihuahua
If you're more comfortable wearing a glossy finish rather than mattes, you should bring this long-lasting formula to the office with you. You'll be radiating (both figuratively and literally!) during your next office gathering.
Hourglass Girl Lip Stylo in Explorer
Feeling peachy? Getting ready for the work schedule ahead doesn't need to be a drag, especially when you have about 100 different things on your plate. Swipe this on to brighten up your day.
Winky Lux Flower Balm Lip Stain in Pink
And if you're not into color at all, you can still keep your lips healthy and hydrated with a balm. After all, you don't want your boss or meeting guests staring at chapped, dry lips as you speak.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
4 Ways to Create Your Own Happiness From the Inside Out
It’s truly an inside job.
Happiness is proven to boost our productivity in the workplace. Think about it, when you’re on a natural high from life you can coast through your to-do list like nothing is stopping you. How do we keep this same energy throughout the work week?
Sure, we’ve heard the never-ending advice about perfecting our morning routine, sticking to a fitness plan, eating healthier, and all of the above. The truth is, happiness really starts from the inside out. It’s in the way we think about ourselves and others, the things we say and even more tangible, and the stuff we put into our bodies. We’re sharing four ways to get happy from the inside out.
Affirmations
Start your day speaking some positivity towards yourself before speaking to anyone else. Repeat this to yourself fives times: “I have more than enough energy to accomplish my goals today.” We promise your to-do list will have a lot less power over your happiness today.
Journaling
When you take the time to write out all of the things that are stressing you out, you actually feel less stressed. It’s kind of magical, to be honest. Write down what’s making you angry, sad, tense and all of the other emotions you’re currently dealing with. Happiness is right on the other page!
Take Your Vitamins
OLLY has literally created a vitamin with the right blend of nutrients to make us stronger, faster, more balanced, and more energetic. Their Endless Energy vitamin is a natural caffeine boost that helps you start your day with all of the things your body needs to function at its best. Think of it as the perfect way to keep any negative energy away.
Make the Choice
At the end of the day in this complex thing we call life, things aren’t always to go as planned. If you choose to make the best out your day and actively spread positive messages, you’ll get that good energy reciprocated right back to you. Choose happiness and happiness will choose you.
Do you think happiness starts from the inside out? Let us know in the comments how you keep your happiness intact.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
How This Founder Raised A Total of $67 Million For Her Company
Two women putting it all on the line. NBD.
Susan Tynan, founder and CEO, Framebridge
Jaclyn Johnson, founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate and Susan Tynan, founder and CEO of Framebridge first met at Create & Cultivate DTLA right before they hopped on stage together. But they vibed immediately.
There are commonalities that bond entrepreneurs and startup founders. A deep understanding of the hard work, sleepless nights, and putting it all on the line. So the two decided to have real-talk and share it—because that's what we at C&C are all about.
Since their initial conversation, Framebridge has managed to raise an additional $30 million of funding. This brings Framebridge's total raised to $67 million after the company recently closed a Series C round of funding.
Create & Cultivate: As a female CEO, what was the process like for raising a round of $30M for the company?
Susan Tynan: Now that we have a real business, what we've built speaks for itself. We raised $30M because we built a business that consumers love. Every nuanced detail we sweat creating this business translates to successful fundraising. Some people might be able to raise based on swagger, but we did because we built something fundamentally good.
Do you have any advice for women who plan on meeting with investors for their business?
Susan: Yes! Paint the big picture. Women have a tendency to be really credible about what we can achieve in the near term. Make sure you're presenting how big of an idea your business and your conviction in leading it.
Learn more business tips from Susan & Jaclyn below.
JACKIE: I like to jump right into things. I think most entrepreneurs do. So can we talk founder-to-founder for a moment about the hard moments? The ones where you know you need to pivot, but you have no idea what direction to turn? What do you do in those instances?
SUSAN: You can turn to a lot of people for advice - and I do - but, at the end of the day, the hardest decisions are yours alone. It's important for me to anchor myself in the basics of the business and review, "Why did I found Framebridge? What are we providing customers? How can we keep getting better? What type of organization did we want to build?" I work through most issues by reviewing the fundamentals. Then the answer usually emerges. And I SoulCycle! A 45 minute loud-music workout sorts out a lot for me, too.
JACKIE: Totally. Everyone always talks about needing to answer the ‘WHY,’ in a simple but compelling way. Sort of like an elevator pitch to yourself. It’s definitely not easy in the moments when you can’t answer that.
SUSAN: What are some other big challenges of running your own company that took you by surprise? Was there one big piece of advice you wish you had earlier?
JACKIE: There were SO many. Everyone warns you, this will take over your life and you will work harder than you’ve ever worked before, and there’s a part of you that doesn’t believe it entirely. And maybe if you did believe it, you would never do it. I imagine that’s how people feel about their first kid. Lack of sleep and nonstop travel are both tremendously challenging. So is feeling like no one will ever care as much as you do— and the truth is, they won’t.
I wish someone had told me to get everything in writing. And I mean everything. You live and learn and sometimes that means losing money because you thought spit and a handshake were binding. Newsflash: They’re definitely not.
JACKIE: What was the most surprising part of starting a business for you?
SUSAN: I was surprised by how many people thought I was nuts to try. I left a great salary and a career that looked pretty linear. But what if it doesn't work? So, what? The truth is, I cannot imagine a way I could have grown more personally than by starting this business.
"I left a great salary and a career that looked pretty linear. But what if it doesn't work? So, what?"
Tweet this.
JACKIE: What was the hardest?
SUSAN: The hardest time - by far - was the period just before we launched. We had raised some money and we had made some big bets - on a warehouse, on our custom packaging, on our site design. And, yet, we didn't have customers! That felt terrifying. Now, everything is based on what we know our customers want. It's much easier, at least psychologically. What has been harder than you expected? What has been easier?
JACKIE: We've never raised money and that’s been both a blessing and a stressor. We’re not beholden to investors, but that also means I’m responsible for making this thing work. Me? I have a company and employees and this amazing community of women who turn to us for career advice… that’s the best feeling, it’s also the scariest.
Jackie (center) and Susan (far right) on panel at CreateCultivateDTLA.
JACKIE: Let’s shift for a minute from scary to fun. Because this world is fun. You have an idea. The idea starts to take shape, becomes a business, and before you know it, that one idea has snowballed into something HUGE. What was the moment like for you when Framebridge went from idea to reality?
SUSAN: So, the truth is we have no time for reflection. I try to force reflection on other team members so I have a chance to reflect too. Just this week I made Tessa, our Creative Director, take a moment and say - "We're shooting a TV ad - in real life!!" And, on Cyber Monday last year, we blew away our sales projections and we all went out together. I'll always remember that night, being with that group, and celebrating together. What was your turning point or moment that made you decide to take your idea and turn it into a real business?
JACKIE: I looked around and I didn’t see want I needed. That’s where almost all entrepreneurship is birthed from. I was running (No Subject) and felt a little lost, a little confused by all the moving parts of business, especially those where I was a novice. I started Create & Cultivate as a side project. The response was so overwhelming that I knew it was going to be something big, IF, and this is the big IF, I was willing to commit. Things don’t blow up because they stay a side hustle. If you expect people to get something out of your business, service, whatever it is, you need to be willing to put your heart into it. You can half-heart a side hustle, sure, but if you give it your whole heart, you give yourself the opportunity to create something bigger.
I think that’s also so important to point out. Committing to your idea gives you the opportunity, it doesn’t mean you will succeed. No matter how hard you work. That’s advice I wish I had early on too and I think is important for our community to understand.
"Committing to your idea gives you the opportunity, it doesn’t mean you will succeed. No matter how hard you work."
Tweet this.
SUSAN: In a short amount of time you have managed to create an unbelievable community of likeminded women from all over the world. For some young entrepreneurs it can be intimidating to network - any advice on making connections that last?
JACKIE: I think it’s intimidating to network because of the feeling of impostor syndrome. The feeling that you don’t belong or you haven’t earned your seat at the table. That comes and goes in waves. Make connections last by believing that you have something important to say and that people want to listen. But also, make sure you’re adding to conversations. That will keep you top of mind. Everyone has impostor syndrome. At least all of the female founders I’ve spoken with and the ones who move through fear are the ones that move the needle and make connections last.
SUSAN: Well, for sure, I relate on impostor syndrome and the isolation of being a founder. It's weird because you signed yourself up for it, but then you have so much responsibility and no one to turn to. Framebridge employs 120+ people (including 100 more seasonal employees) and they are able to take trips and buy houses and grow their families because of Framebridge. That's incredible.
JACKIE: Speaking of seats at the table, how do you feel when you walk into a boardroom or a huge meeting? Do you feel influential? Powerful? Like you’ve earned your chair?
SUSAN: Good question! I've gotten so much better at these meetings. I'm talking about my business and I know the most about this business and I truly, deeply believe in it. So, it's easier to be confident. And I always play pump up music before I go in (Lose Yourself, Eminem and the mellower Adventure of a Lifetime, Coldplay). And, cheesy, but true, I always do a power pose or two in the elevator.
JACKIE: Cheesy is necessary sometimes. We love a good AM jam around here. And power pose is strong. That’s something that produces actual results. I love a good pep talk too.
Framebridge at CreateCultivateDTLA
JACKIE: So we do a lot of “real” talk at C&C because it’s important for women to know they aren’t alone, but it’s also important for them to know about the exciting and "everything is possible" side of owning a business. What are the good moments for you? What makes it all worth it?
SUSAN: Customer stories get me choked up. Because I dreamed that if we built this, people would frame special items and they do - things that make them proud or happy or make their friend laugh. I truly get a kick out of each customer who thinks of a creative thing to frame.
JACKIE: I know, I get inspired by conference attendees and women we meet through our platform. That was the whole point—to create a strong social network of women helping each other. There's no feeling quite like it. Speaking of social what do you think is the future of social? Where is it heading?
SUSAN: Well, I think the coolest thing about social is that it self-polices. You have to produce good content. I think that will continue to be the case and maybe even get more competitive. It's very cool that it's not like you can blast out your message without providing something in return —you have to actually earn your following!
"The coolest thing about social is that it self polices. You have to produce good content."
Tweet this.
JACKIE: I also feel like you have to earn your team. It's not easy to create a solid, well-oiled unit. How did you go about assembling your team? Do you have any hiring advice?
SUSAN: I knew the first members of my team from other companies. So, we liked and respected each other and we're loyal to one another and we have fun. And, now, I try to recruit people who want to work really hard and have a lot of fun. I've realized we only have room for people genuinely excited by what we're doing and people willing to roll up their sleeves. It's tough to interview for those qualities, but we're getting better at teasing it out.
SUSAN: What are your thoughts on hiring friends and family? Do you recommend keeping business separate from your personal life?
JACKIE: Yes, separate. It’s hard to be a boss and a friend. It’s hard to be a friend and employee. There are exceptions of course and every team is different, but instead of making employees out of friends and family, you should hire employees and make a family out of your team.
"Instead of making employees out of friends and family, you should hire employees and make a family out of your team."
Tweet this.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
This Month in Money Moves: Blavity, ClassPass & Framebridge
Are we rich now or nah?
It must be summer because women are on FIRE.
This month we've seen some major money moves from some of our favorite C&C Alumni. Read below for the inspo you need to finish out this week like these BOSSES. Then, go show these ladies some love on their pages.
#SupportFemaleOwnedBusiness
Morgan DeBaun | Blavity
In our new favorite company memo, Morgan DeBaun announced her Series A round of funding for her media company Blavity INC.
"So are we rich now or nah?"
Morgan and Blavity INC raised $6,500,000 in her first very significant round of funding. This means the company will be able to grow faster by investing in engineering to fuel their many brands, investing in employees, and expanding benefits. There was also a mention of increasing the fruit delivery to twice a week. Which is V. IMPORTANT.
"I’m incredibly proud of how our small team has worked together to consistently deliver on our mission to create a platform, company, and a vibrant ecosystem, with our community at the center." Morgan states to her employees in her company memo. We couldn't be more excited to see Morgan become the media mogul she was meant to be.
Payal Kadakia | ClassPass
Founder and Chairman Payal Kadakia announced this week that ClassPass raised $85M in series D funding. This latest round brings ClassPass’s total funding to $255 million. #GOALSAF
So, what's next for everyone's favorite health + fitness app?
#1 Taking ClassPass everywhere. Time to go international, baby!
#2 ClassPass Live! Hi, taking amazing ClassPass classes from the comfort of your home.
Susan Tynan | Framebridge
Susan Tyran was an early Create & Cultivate supporter and we might be some of the most passionate Framebridge supporters out there. Her custom framing company (seen at many C&C conferences), announced the close of a $30M Series C financing. Launched in 2014, the custom framing company has changed the way consumers custom frame the creative and meaningful pieces in their lives. And every single order is produced in house.
Susan explains to Create & Cultivate, “Now that we have a real business, what we've built speaks for itself. We raised $30M because we built a business consumers love. Every nuanced detail we sweat creating this business translates to successful fundraising. Some people might be able to raise based on swagger, but we did because we built something fundamentally good.”
This new round of financing will go towards innovation, expanding manufacturing and refining the delivery process.
Know more ladies making money moves? Share them below!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
A Skincare Brand Founder & CEO Breaks Down The Importance of Clean Beauty
Bethany McDaniel tells all.
The clean beauty movement is happening in full force right before our very eyes. We see words like non-toxic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and so on and it gets overwhelming. What if a brand was here to make it simple and straight to the point with its product and message? That's where Primally Pure comes in. The clean beauty brand has made its mark in the industry, particularly with its natural deodorants.
Primally Pure is made up of certified organic ingredients that are truly safe for everyone's skin. More brands have become transparent about what actually goes into products, but Primally Pure was ahead of the curve. The founder, Bethany McDaniel, was kind enough to chat with C&C about how she came up with the brand's concept, competition in clean skincare, and why natural products are important for our health and wellness.
Create & Cultivate: You’ve gone from an organic livestock farm to owning your own beauty business. How did farm life inspire your brand?
Bethany McDaniel: When you put it that way, my transition from farming to skincare seems like such a bizarre shift! But in reality, it was a very natural next step. When my family spontaneously started a farm, it got me started on a path of cleaning up my lifestyle – and skincare was a huge part of that. I had dealt with acne, rosacea and other random skin problems for years, and began making natural alternatives to the toxic products I had been using since my teenage years with little to no success. Within only a few short weeks, I observed a noticeable difference in the health and appearance of my skin. The further I strayed from conventional products over the next several months, the better my skin looked and felt. I was sold on natural skincare and wanted the rest of the world to experience the same benefits that I did!
What has creating your own beauty products taught you about the industry as a whole?
The more we’ve grown, the harder it is to stay true to your mission and core values as a natural skincare company. Natural ingredients are not easy to work with. Not every batch of essential oil, arrowroot powder or shea butter is the same, and natural variations often make it difficult (but not impossible) to produce high-quality natural skincare products at a large scale.
For this reason, it’s commonplace for natural beauty brands to switch over to synthetic alternatives as ingredients and have their products made by a manufacturing facility located offsite or even overseas. But despite this being so much simpler and more uniform, we are 100% committed to continuing to source the purest, most natural ingredients possible. We make our products in-house and train our staff on what each ingredient should smell, feel and look like in order to detect any possible inconsistencies. This has become more and more difficult as we’ve grown and scaled, but it’s the foundation of our brand and everything we stand for – and those values aren’t changing!
Primally Pure consists of clean beauty products. Can you explain what exactly makes it clean and how it’s different from other clean beauty brands?
We believe that products made with fewer, better ingredients truly do yield superior results. Our products are formulated with fewer ingredients so that the pure oils, clays, herbs and other elements we use can have the space to do what they’re meant to do – transform your skin. The market for natural skincare products is on the rise, and it’s become commonplace for brands to take advantage of the consumer’s desire to find products made with pure ingredients. For example, you can find phrases like “made with organic essential oils” on just about anything these days. And while that may be true, organic essential oils (or whichever ingredients are being talked about) are often times at the very bottom of a long list of not-so-natural ingredients.
Our niche is crafting products made with pure ingredients that aren’t diluted with chemicals. We use nature’s most precious + healing elements to formulate our products–and you won’t find them buried under a long list of cheap fillers and stabilizers.
It seems as if there’s a sudden boom in the clean beauty movement. With many retailers being more transparent about product labeling, are you hopeful that this will convince more brands to consider transitioning to more clean ingredients?
Absolutely. And while the beauty industry has a long way to go as a whole, we’re already seeing so many steps in the right direction. There’s been a huge shift in consumer awareness in regards to what we’re putting on our bodies over the last several years, and brands are scrambling to keep up. I don’t view it as a bad thing to have more competition in this area. No single product or line of products will work for everyone, and more choices mean more demand and education/awareness —which is a win for everyone!
Primally Pure is most well-known for your natural deodorant. Can you tell us a bit more about this product and why it's so important for women to swap out their antiperspirant for a more natural option?
Deodorant alone may not seem like that big of a deal. However, when you think about all of the assaults our bodies go through daily in terms of toxins we’re exposed to in the foods we eat, air we breathe, the water we drink, etc., it’s important to do what we can to lessen our toxic load by making changes in the areas we do have control over.
Switching to a natural deodorant is one of the most powerful changes one can make, as our armpits are extremely absorbent and easily take in what we apply. The biggest benefit of using natural deodorant is a less toxic burden on the body. After making the switch, many people find that they’re sweating more than normal as your body rids itself of toxins. This typically normalizes after a few weeks. And once it does, most people find that they sweat even LESS than before.
The market for natural deodorants seems to be growing. What makes Primally Pure's unique?
Every day, customers tell us that after trying loads of natural deodorants, ours is the first that has worked for them. Not every natural deodorant is created equal and there are a number of different pitfalls that can occur when using natural deodorant including odor, irritation (usually caused by high levels of baking soda found in most natural deodorants), and more.
Through years of trial + error, we’ve formulated our deodorant with the perfect amount of baking soda – enough to combat odor but not enough to cause irritation for the vast majority of people. The results are fresh-smelling, perfectly nourished pits.
Our deodorant is made with a short list of ingredients including organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic arrowroot powder, baking soda, organic tallow from grass-fed cows, and organic essential oils. Ingredients like these allow the skin to breathe and function as it should. Nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory + anti-microbial properties help to improve the health of skin, leaving pits smooth and protected.
You’ve managed to own a successful brand in what many presume to be a saturated space. What advice do you have to women who are looking to start their own beauty business, but are hesitant about actually going for it?
Even though the space may seem saturated, I strongly believe that the natural beauty movement is only just beginning to pick up steam. There are SO many people on this planet. And in the grand scheme of things, very few of them are on the natural skincare bandwagon. But more and more are getting on it each and every day! It’s easy to assume that something has already been done and that there’s no use in doing it – but the truth is, there is no one who can do that thing (whatever it is) in the same way that you would do it.
You’ve made it clear that Primally Pure believes that beauty goes much deeper than skincare and involves a lot of self-care. How do you practice your own self-care?
As an introvert, having “me-time” is super important. But as a wife, mother to a toddler and business owner, this doesn’t happen as often as I would like.
I know that at some point I’ll be able to exercise regularly, sleep longer, read often and get together with friends again more than once every couple of months. But for now, I try to care for myself in ways that are easier for me to stick with. I go on walks with my daughter around the lake by our house, take baths with Epsom salts and organic essential oils a few times a week, and sneak away for massages whenever I can. I do what I can and I don’t stress about all of the things I’m doing wrong, because I know life won’t be this way forever.
What can we expect from Primally Pure for the rest of 2018 and beyond?
We just moved our headquarters into a new 11k square foot space, and it’s been so exciting to work through the design process. The best part of this move is that we’re putting an actual spa into our new headquarters! We’re beyond excited to provide our local community with holistic + organic facials and massages. Additionally, we always have new products in the works and can’t wait to share more on those in the coming months!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
5 Business Podcasts Every Working Woman Should Listen To
Listen up ladies.
Podcasts have been all the rage lately and for good reason, if we may add. There's nothing worse than dragging through your commute and listening to the same Top 40 station on repeat. Instead, all working ladies can benefit from diving nose deep into a podcast that explores point A to point B of building a business, entrepreneurship, social media marketing, hiring, and so much more.
The following five business-focused podcasts should all be on your radar when you're a woman making moves. Listen, subscribe, and get inspired.
Raising the Bar
Drybar founder Alli Webb along with her brother and business partner, Michael Landau, have launched their own podcast, Raising the Bar, where they chat with both up and coming and established entrepreneurs. They'll be sharing their insight on how they brought Drybar's concept to life and their ups and downs along the way. Listeners will learn about what makes business owners excited, worried, motivated, and so much more.
Second Life by MyDomaine
Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder, and chief innovation officer of MyDomaine's parent company Clique Brands, each episode of Second Life highlights women who've made major career changes and are crushing it in their respective fields. Apart from breaking down their steps to a successful business, guests will share the advice they've learned along the way, managing side-hustles, dealing with investors, building a team, and more.
Influencer Podcast
For ladies who are influencers in their own right and those who want to learn more about influencer marketing, this one's for you. The Influencer Podcast, hosted by best-selling publicist and influencer Julie Solomon, explores the ins and outs of being an influencer. Julie and her guests discuss engagement, continuous growth, and impact. Throughout each episode, listeners will learn how to strengthen, monetize, and build their own industry influence.
Glossy Podcast
The Glossy podcast is a conversation about how technology is transforming the fashion, beauty, and luxury industries with the people spearheading those changes. Guests dish on the ever-changing digital space and how they've managed to disrupt their respective industries. From founders to marketing mavens, this podcast t with a diverse roster of experts.
WorkParty
WorkParty the podcast is where creative and entrepreneurial women celebrate each other’s successes. It's the vision of Jaclyn Johnson, our very own founder, and CEO. In WorkParty the book, Jaclyn spills on how she found the determination to flip her rock bottom moment into hard work and success—and how you can, too. WorkParty the podcast is all the lessons she learned and the advice she wishes she had gotten along the way. You’ll hear from female founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives and so many other badass boss ladies. WorkParty keeps it 100, giving you that career real-talk, and no BS advice.
By: Andrea Navarro
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
C&C Classifieds: Krupa Consulting, Bliss, Girlgaze & More!
It's that time of the week again, and a new batch of C&C Classifieds is here. If your job search isn't going as planned, we're here to help you move in the right direction.
Interested in beauty? There are great PR and social media gigs now open in the space. Are you looking to kickstart a career in the music biz? That's part of this week's roundup too! Oh, and we can't fail to mention that Create & Cultivate still has some open positions left to join our team.
Get your resumes ready and good luck!
Krupa Consulting - NYC
Lemon Laine - Nashville, TN
Dice - LA, CA
Bliss - LA, CA
Create & Cultivate - LA, CA
How to Interrupt a Co-Worker the Polite Way
Just don't steal their lunch OK?
Written by: Casey Erin
The unfortunate phenomenon of men interrupting women has been getting a lot of press lately.
Whether it’s Senator Kamala Harris being interrupted twice on the congressional floor this past June, or the Facebook Live post that went viral and made #LetLizSpeak a rallying cry, or the recent New York Times article about this epidemic: the constant interruptions women face while trying to speak need to stop.
This concept is not new-- nor is it strictly political. Who can forget when Kanye stormed the stage and hijacked Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Awards? It was the “Imma let you finish” heard round the world. (Yes, that really was 8 years ago.)
As vocal coaches who help people create a deeper understanding of what effective communication really looks like (and train women to use their voice as a powerful tool for expression and connection), my co-founder Julie and I are confronted with this daily request from women, at Vital Voice:
“How do I avoid being interrupted - and how can I jump in when I need to?”
There is a lot of advice out there for women on how to use your voice (some good, some . . . not so good), so we’d like to offer our perspective as voice and communication coaches, honed through both our own experiences and our clients’. Here is our advice on how to manage interruptions to ensure they are not getting in the way of your career, development or even your emotional health.
We’ve broken it down into 3 distinct parts: 1- understanding your own situation better; 2- solid tactics for stopping the interruptions; 3- the added bonus of how to interrupt when it’s called for.
How to analyze the situation
It helps to try and understand where this interruption is coming from. Can you read the other person’s motive in interrupting you? Different styles require different reactions -- which is why, as a voice coach, I hate most “tips and tricks” articles or blanket statements about how women should talk. There is WAY too much nuance in communication for one-size-fits all solutions!
1) Status/Power - One of the ways in which actors analyze a theatrical scene is to look at the status differences between the characters. Who is in charge here? How do people interact with that person? Are the people in the meeting nervous or at ease? Perhaps feeling like they need to suck up? Are people interrupting others to display their own power or demonstrate dominance?
"There is WAY too much nuance in communication for one-size-fits all solutions!"
Tweet this.
2) Habit/Personality - Full disclosure: I myself am known as an interrupter. In my case, it mostly comes from growing up in an enthusiastic, talkative, extroverted family where interruptions and parenthetical comments and cross conversations are the norm. I have worked very hard to be more conscious of these habits, but I still mess up. (It’s nothing personal!) If you are dealing with a “benevolent/oblivious interrupter” like me, just keep plowing - or consider speaking with us in private to tell us how you feel. We'll get the hint, and likely be more embarrassed that we interrupted you than upset that you interrupted us back. And if you’re an interrupter, put some extra brain cells toward making sure YOU are not the elephant in the room!
3) Culture/Unconscious Bias - As has been repeatedly documented (such as in that NY Times piece), “manterrupting” is a very real and pervasive phenomenon. In addition, we’re dealing with a culture of impossible double-binds for women when they DO manage to get a word in: we’re often told “don’t be too aggressive but don’t be too soft either! Don’t be too emotional, but for heaven’s sake, no one likes an ice queen!” Kamala Harris was “hysterical.” Hillary Clinton was “shrill.” Elizabeth Warren was given a warning . . . you get the picture. We could unpack this stuff all day long, but it’s out there, and it affects both how you are seen and heard, and how people respond to you. We need an awareness of the possible consequences -- good and bad -- for standing up for yourself and others, and the bravery to handle it.
I do believe very strongly that the MORE women speak up, stand out, and call out interruptions, the easier it becomes for others to do so and the more we have to examine the cultural factors that cause this in the first place. We’re making unconscious bias conscious so that we can change it! So here are a few strategies to help you:
How to handle being interrupted:
1) The direct response: “I wasn't quite finished with my point - (dive back in).” How you deliver this depends on what kind of interrupter you are dealing with. If the interruption is coming from a place of enthusiasm or obliviousness, humor and pleasantness is your friend. (And ladies, I’m NOT telling you to smile, but here is where a genuine, unforced smile can actually go a long way.) However, if you are dealing with a bully who will only respond to an equal show of force, it’s time to marshal your inner badass and say it simply and directly.
"The MORE women speak up, stand out, and call out interruptions, the easier it becomes for others to do so."
Tweet this.
2) The compliment and recover: 'Great point! Now (back to what you were saying)' This falls into the category of “gender judo” for me - people expect women to be pleasant and nurturing? Sure, you can give them a taste of that!
3) The team approach “Amy - it seems like you have more to say on that. (Ask related question)” If you are uncomfortable intervening on your own behalf, sometimes the best way to practice is to help someone else who is being interrupted! The women in Obama’s White House found this wing woman approach to be an effective tactic, both when being interrupted or when they needed to reinforce and amplify the point that a friend made in the room. Here’s how it works: When one woman made a good point, another woman would repeat it, and give credit to the originator. This technique -- which they dubbed “amplification” -- made an idea harder to ignore or steal. Recruit a partner in the room to do this for you, and do it for a colleague.
4) The empathetic approach - Here’s how it works: “I hear what you’re saying, Steve.” (Give some reiteration of his point - then finish your statement.) Sometimes the quickest way to turn an interrupter into an ally, or to disarm a bully, is to make them feel seen and heard.
5) The boss approach - “We'll get to that/your idea/your point in a second. (Continue yourself, or throw to the person who had been interrupted.)” This one is for when you are facilitating the meeting. Not only are you EXPECTED to be in control here, you can help create the kind of meeting culture that you want to see in the world!
How to interrupt if you must:
There are certain office cultures where you are expected to be a dynamic part of the conversation, and there are certain teams where the only way you'll get a word in is by diving in headfirst.
The most important part of ALL of the following scripts is physicality and breath: Practice letting yourself really sit in your chair. Our standard advice to clients is “let your butt be big” - seriously, it works. Make a deliberate postural shift to draw attention to yourself (in theater we call this “pulling focus”), take a full inhale (not the little catch breath we sometimes take when we want to jump in), and speak on the exhale with energy and confidence. It's less about volume than it is about a full connection with your body and breath, and the ability to land your words on the intended listener.
Here are some options:
1) “I'd like to jump in on that.”
2) “I've been doing some research and here's what I'm seeing.”
3) “What a great point Mark! My observation is that . . .”
The Last Word
Try these tips out next time you get Kanye'd; not only will you be using your voice to make an impact, but you’ll also be teaching the offenders that you won’t be silenced.
A final note: All of us -- interrupters and interruptees, men and women, introverts and extroverts alike -- can work to create a conscious meeting culture where voices and ideas get heard. Conversation is a dance: stay experimental, observe what works and feels right for YOU, and keep practicing!
Casey Erin Clark is a professional actress who, after 18 months on tour with Les Mis, read the book “Half the Sky” and got very fired up about issues facing women in the world today. The answer to “what can I do?” came out of her passion for the human voice. Casey co-founded Vital Voice Training, a voice and speech coaching company (whose public speaking clients include C&C keynote speaker Piera Gelardi!) on a mission to change the conversation about what women are “SUPPOSED” to sound like. Forget masks or imitation: this is your voice amplified -- not just louder. Casey sang her first solo at 4 and was branded “bossy” back in kindergarten — she can recommend the best breakfast in most major cities in the US — and is happy to demonstrate the Lafayette speed rap from Hamilton. @vital_voice
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Poppin' By: The Pink Haven Workspace of Poppy Jamie, Co-Founder of Pop & Suki
A very poppin’ interview.
Every month this year we're profiling a female entrepreneur, popping by their workspace and enjoying a bit of bubbly. "Poppin' By" is a Create & Cultivate profile series in Partnership with Chandon. Here's a cheers to amazing, working women!
By this point you've likely heard of host turned accessories line creator Poppy Jamie. If you haven't then you've definitely seen her customizable, millennial-friendly line of handbags, keychains, makeup bags, phone cases and so much more. Pop & Suki was founded just a little under two years ago and has skyrocketed to success.
Her business partner, Suki Waterhouse is likely a name you've heard before as well, but London-born Poppy has officially made her mark in the US fashion world. She's also the founder of Happy Not Perfect, an app built to help us better manage our stress levels and be our most productive and happy selves.
So, how does one jump from having a booming career in showbiz to having one of the most coveted accessories brands of the moment? Having a vision is only the first step, but having a partner and team you can trust can lead to the ultimate success.
In order to do your job right, you have to love your job, and Poppy loves her job. It's young, exciting, trend-forward and everything a girl wants. "I love the creative part and really thinking how we can constantly communicate the emotion behind the brand," she explained.
We're all quick to assume that working with a friend can be more difficult than successful, but Poppy's business has thrived because of such a union. Both she and Suki earned a spot in Forbes 30 Under 30 list, have had celebrities including Jessica Alba photographed in their pieces, and have gotten Pop & Suki inside Nordstrom stores across the country. The bottom line is that Poppy Jamie is not slowing down anytime soon and fresh ideas are always being laid out on the table for the brand to grow.
"Pop & Suki represents one of the most important relationships in life; that friend who is with you through thick and thin, your cheerleader and your therapist, your giggle box and your guide. Through the designs, concepts, and content I love thinking, hmmm how can we Pop&Suki’ify it more," she explained.
Just like every other business owner, Poppy finds ways to stay inspired and knows who her influences are in and out. She gave us a full run-down of who she looks up to the most and how they've impacted her life and helped shape ideas.
- Michelle Obama for her poise and elegance.
- Oprah for her mind and spirituality.
- Whitney Wolfe Herd for her kindness and brilliant marketing mind
- Krista Smith for her constant guidance and generosity of time
- My mother for her selflessness, curiosity into the workings of the brain and her amazing mum abilities
- Suki (Pop & Suki's other half) for her unapologetic fearlessness to be fully her at all times
- Alex Cronan (Pop & Suki's Creative Director) for her style
Now that's a list we can get behind. We kept the conversation going with the all-star businesswoman and here's what she had to say about her work environment, how she hopes her brand makes women feel, and all things entrepreneurship.
What is your favorite part of your workspace?
The kitchen with all the snacks... :) Haha. I love snacking! The meeting room where brilliant minds come together to share thoughts and ideas.
What do you want women to feel when they wear Pop and Suki pieces?
Fully themselves! I want our bags to give them that boost and extra spring in their step knowing they have a badass girl power bag on their arm 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽!
What has been the most surprising element of entrepreneurship for you?
How your team becomes a family and life force. All night convos, ups and downs... you’re in the rollercoaster with them 24/7. I don’t think I realized how insanely lucky I was to go into business with people who are loving, trustworthy and hardworking. The horror stories I’ve heard when you have the wrong team around you! No idea or concept can survive without a tight-knit family around supporting it.
Photo Credit: Tyler William Parker
Be sure to follow Poppy here
Check out the new Pop & Suki collection here
By: Andrea Navarro
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Elizabeth Chambers Breaks Down What It Takes To Build A Successful Team
The Bird Bakery owner tells all.
If you weren't present at our 2018 Style Summit, then what were you even doing on Saturday? JK, that's why we're giving you a full breakdown of the day's events.
Our keynote speaker, Elizabeth Chambers, is a woman who wears many hats and also a role model for so many women out there. From being the CEO and owner of Bird Bakery, and also a wife and mother, she manages to keep everything as streamlined as possible and still take really good care of herself.
During our last conversation of the day, Elizabeth dished on how she went from a career in journalism and hosting to entrepreneurship.
So how exactly did she go from juggling positions to starting her own business? "Me starting a business was full circle. It felt like a homage to the people who have taught me the most important life lessons," she explained. But what really gives you that drive to make the jump? "When you have something that you believe is the best in its lane, you want to share it with everyone," she said.
As a business owner, wife, and mom she's still managing a jam-packed schedule. But she insists that no one is ever going to get 100% of you if you're not fully focused. That's where motivation and productivity come into the picture. "Uni-tasking has made me so much more productive," she said. "Focus on your tasks as you’re doing them. It makes you so much more productive," she explained.
Elizabeth doesn't ignore the fact that self-care should and always should come first, no matter how busy she gets. "You have to take care of yourself and you have to have the energy for the people around you," she said. She also swears by the oxygen mask theory, in which you must help yourself first before helping others. #Facts.
The businesswoman is also known for being heavily involved in the hiring process for Bird Bakery. Building a business is knowing that you’ll have to wear a lot of hats. Keep your standards high," she said. You have to find team members who you can trust and then delegate. "I realized building a team and letting go has let us expand and do so much more," she added.
As for what she wants to leave behind? "I hope my legacy is that I’ve treated people kindly and fed them well," she shared. Trust us Elizabeth, you have fed us well with all of those delicious treats and confections.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Everything You Missed from Our Create & Cultivate Style Summit at The Galleria
Our favorite quotes, moments + more!
Ladies coming together to inspire one another is what we preach here at C&C. But what if a ton of women, influencers, and CEOs came together to spend a Saturday talking all things business and female empowerment? Doesn't that sound even better? Well, that's exactly what happened at our third Create & Cultivate Style Summit at the Houston Galleria this past weekend.
From Courtney Kerr keeping it real about dealing with the haters to Sona Gasparian and Jaserah Asad dishing on diversity in beauty, it was one for the books. Founder and CEO of Bird Bakery, Elizabeth Chambers, shared everything that it takes to build a successful team and so much more.
Before the big event, guests enjoyed a happy hour at the Coach store on Friday evening and received a complimentary Houston skyline stamp with any purchase from the store.
When it was time for the official Style Summit to begin, the first 150 guests received a gift bag from all of our favorite brands. TONI&GUY provided hair touch-ups and braiding for our attendees, and Bobbi Brown's best-selling products were present for everyone to try. The day closed out with another happy hour courtesy of Chandon and Crown Royal for even more mingling and networking with badass women.
Keep on reading for more takeaway moments and inspiration from our rock-star roster of entrepreneurial panelists.
During our Buttoned Up panel with influencers Stephanie Taylor Jackson, Ashley Seippel, Meggan Morehead of Somewhere Lately, Carrie Colbert, and Krystal Faircloth we learned the ins and outs of being a fashion blogger.
With Instagram being such a powerful marketing tool, Carrie has managed to garner a significant following thanks to her vibrant color scheme and consistency. Once you hit that 10k follower count (when the swipe-up feature becomes available), "You have to give people a reason to swipe up," she said. As for working for free, it's not something she's down with now that she knows how blogging works. "Please don't work for free, this is a business," she said.
Stephanie Taylor Jackson is one of the bloggers in the business who also has a full-time job. The skills she's learned in the luxury retail space have transferred over to her blogging. "My day job helps me be sure that I'm investing my time in the right things for my job," she explained. After all ladies, time management is everything.
As you can imagine, an essential part of being a successful blogger is staying organized. But with so many planning tools available online and on our phones, have traditional organization methods lost their touch? Apparently not! Ashley Seippel still swears by them. "I color coordinate and use a physical calendar to stay organized," she explained.
Anyone who follows Somewhere Lately knows that the two masterminds behind the blog are actually bi-coastal. Meggan who lives in Dallas joined us at the summit and shared how she makes her everything work with her business partner living in New York. No surprise here, but communication is key!
You've undoubtedly heard bloggers speak on how authenticity and standing out are part of becoming successful. But rather than focusing on being "different," you need to better understand exactly how you're different. Krystal Faircloth of A Pinch of Lovely explained: "Being different is great, but you have to know how you’re different. Knowing your skill set will make you stand out.”
During our Wake Up & Makeup panel Madison Payne, Sona Gasparian, Courtney Kerr, and Jaserah Asad spoke on all things beauty and what they’ve learned as beauty tastemakers and business owners.
It's important to face rejection and career disappointments head-on, and who better to explain that then Courtney Kerr. As one of Texas' biggest influencers, she's known for her straightforward advice and transparent content. Her response to dealing with rejection was a flawless one. "Don’t you think it makes you stronger when you get rejected?" Touché Courtney.
With IGTV blowing up, what's one of YouTube's biggest stars supposed to do? Sona Gasparian has over 750k subscribers on her channel, and she doesn't plan on moving all of her content to the newer Instagram platform. "I wouldn’t say abandon YouTube yet because the community there is so special and so engaged. It’s not the same as IGTV," she explained.
Up and coming influencer Jaserah Asad is breaking boundaries by being one of the few hijabi bloggers in the space. Did we mention she's also a petroleum engineer? Yeah, she's a boss. She lets brands know that her faith is very important to her from the jump. "If I have to sacrifice my faith or change my looks, that’s a deal breaker for me when it comes to working with brands," she said.
Madison Payne is known for keeping it real with her followers. Seriously, she takes them behind the scenes of any product or treatment she tries, no matter what it is. So when you're an open book, how do you decide which brands to work with? "I work with brands who will let me try out the product before posting about it. Authenticity is important for me," she explained.
Our last conversation of the day was with our keynote speaker, Elizabeth Chambers. As the founder and CEO of the hugely successful Bird Bakery and a TV host and journalist, she's made her mark in different industries. To find out more about how Elizabeth manages her career, a team and , click here.
Did you attend our Style Summit? Let us know what your favorite part was in the comments section!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Houston's Top Beauty Influencers Share Their #1 Beauty Tip For An Important Meeting
We love a girls night out, especially after a long week of work. But you know what's even better than that? Girl night out with Bobbi Brown. Before our third Style Summit at The Galleria in Houston, we gathered a bunch of beauty influencers for an intimate dinner at State of Grace with Bobbi Brown. There was bubbly, delicious food, an array of beauty products to play with, and of course a ton of Instagram moments. Courtney Kerr always makes sure to freshen up her skin before taking an important meeting. "Carry beauty water or rose water instead of reapplying all of your makeup. Most will wash all their makeup off and then reapply a full face, but that will dehydrate your skin. Using beauty water will instead refresh all of your makeup. Just spray and blend and then touch up where needed," she shared.
All guests enjoyed testing plenty of the beauty products that Bobbi Brown has to offer. The gift bags highlighted Bobbi Brown's best-selling products, including its great concealers, highlighters and more. Our invitees especially loved the different lipsticks present at the event, because seriously, who doesn't enjoy a good lip moment?
Since we were in the presence of some the top beauty bloggers in Houston, you know we had to pick their brain and get some tips and tricks of our own. We went around the table and asked a few of the ladies what their last-minute beauty trick is before heading into a work meeting. We've all been pulled into a last-minute meeting before and have freaked out about not looking our best. Take a cue from the influencers and keep these essentials at your desk, so you never have to worry again.
Nicole Kestenbaum of Lipstick and Brunch truly lived up to her blog name with her tip. "My go-to beauty trick for going into a meeting is to put on lipstick! It really brightens up your face and makes you feel super confident," she said.
Krystal Faircloth of Pinch of Lovely swears it's all about the eyes. "My last-minute beauty trick is applying mascara because my eyelashes are so blonde. This is especially great for all the blondes out there! Mascara will have you set and ready," she explained.
Jaserah Asad also loves a good lip moment. "My last-minute go-to beauty product is a bold lipstick. I feel like it puts together an entire look and makes you look like you put in more effort than you actually did," she said.
The gathering was the perfect event to mix and mingle with fellow influencers before the Style Summit the following morning. What are your favorite Bobbi Brown beauty products? Let us know your own go-to picks in the comments below!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
How To Be Productive When Working Remotely
For starters, get out of bed.
Welcome to Work's a Beach. Throughout this content series, we're helping our readers get the most out of their summer and spend more of their time lounging rather than catching up on emails.
Today, we're tackling remote work. A lot of people say that working from home is the millennial dream, but you can get stuck in a rut if you don't do it the right way. And yes, there is, in fact, a right way to work virtually from anywhere. It's not all fun and games once you have an internet connection, you need to set yourself up right in order to make the most of it.
We're breaking down the steps you need to take to happily do remote work, and not spend your time wishing you were back in an office setting.
Do any remote workers out there have any tips of their own they'd like to share? Let us know in the comments section!
Take A Morning Shower
After you've had your morning coffee, hop in the shower and relax for a minute. Taking a morning shower isn't only refreshing, it's energizing and gets you ready tackle that overflowing inbox. Having a few moments to yourself in the morning is ideal, and let's face it, sometimes are best thoughts happen in the shower.
Put on 'Normal' Clothes
I know, I know. It's so tempting to lay around and work in your pajamas all day, but trust me, you're just doing yourself a disservice. You work just as hard as anyone in an office does, so why not dress for the part? As comfortable as they are, hanging out in pajamas or your favorite sweatpants can promote laziness or an environment that's too chill to work in. I'm not saying you have to throw on a blazer while working from your dining table, but you get the hint.
Stick to a Schedule
Having your own freedome is great, right? Sure, until you lose track of time and are rushing to meet a deadline because you don't have a schedule planned out. Do as you would anywhere else and give yourself designated hours to get sh*t done. If you don't like the 9-5 schedule, that's fine, but figure out a time slot that works for you daily. It'll make your life so much less hectic.
Create a Designated Workspace
If we're being realistic, very few of us have an office in our homes. This is the time to get creative and build a workspace that will keep you productive and in the zone. Get rid of clutter surrounding where you usually work, and maybe invest in a nice desk and chair if you have the room for it. Your couch will get boring AF real quick.
Plan Your Meals
One of the most challenging things about working from home is that you have your entire fridge and pantry available to you at all times. UGH. The endless amounts of snacks can really make you crash in the middle of the day if you're not cautious. Meal prepping will keep your mind and appetite in check, and make you stop reaching for every snack in sight. This is a tough one, but I have faith in you.
If All Else Fails, Consider a Co-Working Space
Okay,so maybe working from home isn't for everyone. By that I mean working from wherever you actually call home. If the motivation really isn't there, but you still don't want to work in a traditional office setting, then consider a co-working space. You can usually rent a spot at a table or your own desk for a monthly or annual fee. You'll be surrounded by other independent workers and creatives, which can help keep you motivated and productive.
By: Andrea Navarro
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Business Plans Exercises You Can Do Right From The Sand
Turn your concept into a reality.
Welcome to Work's a Beach. Throughout this content series, we're helping our entrepreneurial readers get the most out of their summer while continuing to keep that side-hustle or newly founded business seamlessly moving forward. Because you can work on your tan while putting in work. And, you deserve to be able to do both!
Today we're discussing one of the most complex parts about starting a business; the business plan. Curating and executing a business plan are two of the most crucial parts of taking a business to where you want it to be. Of course, a business plan can be tailored along the way but you'll need some starting grounds in order to kick things into gear.
If you have some downtime and just can't stop thinking about your future business, it's the perfect time to get your business plan ready to go. We've compiled a list of business plan exercises you can do right from your beach chair while you get your tan on. Take a look, and let us know any other tips you may have in the comments section!
Create an overview
Your overview is the meat and bones of your entire business plan. With that being said, you have to determine plenty of factors before going ahead and writing it. The key here is to finally nail down what your business will provide to others, and then continue from there. You'll also need to determine what you'll need in order for your business to operate successfully (staff, financial support, tools, etc.) and why. Since you've had this idea, it's likely that you know who you can visualize as your customer. You'll want that to be part of your overview as well.
Write your mission statement
Mission statements are often overlooked, but they're still as relevant and important as ever. The world wants to know why you're doing what you're doing, and a powerful mission statement is the best way to display that. What message do you want to send? How would you like to impact others through your business? What made you start this? This should all be crafted into your mission statement, with a hint of personality.
Analyze your market
A market analysis is a crucial point of your business plan. Once you've determined who your market is, you'll need to determine any other potential markets as well. You'll also need to measure your market, in order to understand the resources you'll need to serve that market. During your market analysis, it's important that you familiarize yourself with market trends in your industry, and if they're constant or everchanging.
Analyze competitors
Competitors are a key factor in your business plan because you'll always need to be ahead of the curve in order to maintain success and promote growth. Determine who your business's current competitors would be and analyze all of their behaviors, campaigns, marketing tools, social media accounts and more. What can you do differently? What can you do better? That all comes into play here.
Determine your budget
Obviously, funding is an important part of writing your business plan, but knowing your budget is even more important. A lot of businesses fail because they either aren't making money or they don't have control over where it's going. Both situations are unideal, and this is exactly why you need a budget. How much money will you need to launch your business? Will you be hiring staff? Will you need an office space? What tools will you need? Do you need website design and hosting? Think slowly and clearly about this one, and get the assistance of a financial advisor once your business plan is complete.
Determine your goals
It's easy to think of the big picture once you have an idea and are starting to get things into motion, but you need clear, written-down goals. These goals will be a lot more detailed than just dreaming of opening several retail locations for your business, for example. How much money would you like to raise in the next five years? By what percentage do you want your social media following to grow by the end of the year? What size would your ideal staff be? These are just a few examples, but you'll need to detail everything you're going to do in order to achieve those goals.
So, what now? Enter your info below to download your FREE business plan exercises & guide.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
How This Service Allows Women To Take Their Health Into Their Own Hands
EverlyWell is changing the game.
From emails to conference calls to balancing a social life, we're operating at what feels like 150% on most days and don't give our bodies enough credit. To keep up this momentum, we're breaking down how to be more in tune with our bodies and take our health into our hands.
If someone told you that you could learn more about your health concerns right in the comfort of your own home would you believe them? Or is this a topic that has never crossed your mind in the first place? If not, then you likely haven’t come across the little-known women’s health issues that are affecting thousands, if not millions, of us today. As we get older, more health concerns can arise in areas from hormonal complications to vitamin deficiencies and so much more. Rather than navigating your life around doctor’s visits later on, it’s essential to get a clear idea and take preventative measures now. And let's face it, every woman knows what it's like to walk into a doctor's office and not be taken seriously. We've had enough of that.
“As the boss, you’re always checking in on other people, but you have to be the one to check in on yourself.”
If you hadn't heard of EverlyWell's home health testing service before reading this, the chances are that you would've soon. The testing kits have garnered some well-earned buzz due to their convenience, affordability, and trustworthiness. Listen, statistics about women and the healthcare industry can be concerning, so it's no surprise that more of us are taking matters into our own hands when it comes to our health. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Purchase online (and use your C&C reader discount!)
You don't have to worry about co-pays, deductibles, or multiple doctor's visits. C&C readers can receive 15% off any EverlyWell test by using the promo code 'CREATE' at checkout.
Step 2: Complete your at-home test
You get to do this in the comfort of your own home on your own time.
Step 3: Send it to the lab
Return labels are included in your kit and EverlyWell works with the nation's leading laboratories for examinations.
Step 4: Get your results
After getting reviewed by a board-certified physician your results are available online in about five business days.
This super simple process is changing the game. The service has 30 different kits available and they range from general wellness to sexual health, energy and weight, and more. When it comes to women's health, the testing options include postmenopause, women's fertility, perimenopause, breast milk DHA, instrumental hormones, and ovarian reserve tests.
To get an inside scoop on how it all works, we tapped three of our favorite influencers to share their different test results and what they've learned with us.
The blogger, writer, and actress was curious to learn more about her sensitivity to certain foods. With EverlyWell's food sensitivity test you measure your body’s IgG response among 96 different foods that are commonly found in western diets. Food can trigger reactions and physical symptoms including stomach pain, bloating, fatigue, migraines, joint pain, skin problems and more. The results are presented in different levels that are categorized by Low Reactivity and High Reactivity. Low Reactivity foods should be considered largely non-reactive while High Reactivity foods are considered very reactive.
Although physical symptoms aren't always present, it is recommended that you structure an elimination diet plan around your results starting with your most reactive foods first. It's also important to note that if you're attempting to reintroduce your body to a 'problematic' food it is recommended that you begin adding it to your diet four weeks prior to testing.
Read on to see what Grasie learned about her own food sensitivities.
You selected the Food Sensitivity. What were your results and what were you hoping to learn from the test?
I had no high reactivity foods which were great, one moderate reactivity to egg whites and 14 mild reactivity foods which is kind of shocking. I kinda knew dairy wasn’t my friend and all dairy foods tested are on my mild list. The egg reveal bums me out because I really like eggs. But now I know I can be more conscious about my breakfast choices.
Did anything about your test results surprise you or intrigue you?
I was surprised to see almonds, coconut, and banana on my mild list. These are foods I eat often! I put coconut oil and almond milk in my coffee every morning! And I eat bananas all the time. It seems like a mild reactivity is not one to be too concerned with but great to know that the mild sensitivity is there to keep an eye on.
How would you compare EverlyWell at home tests to an in-person visit with a women’s health doctor?
It was a lot quicker to take the at-home test than to have to make a doctor’s appointment, drive to an office, wait, have a check-up, give blood then wait for results.
How has your wellness routine developed throughout the past few years? Any new habits or activities you’ve tried?
I use to hate to work out. But my January 2017 resolution was to join a gym and go three times a week. I’m happy to say it’s the first resolution I’ve actually stuck to!
How did it feel to take matters into your own hands with EverlyWell?
I just loved how easy and private it is...and now I’m informed and can make informed decisions about my diet!
Caroline Ingraham Lee, founder of Woodnote Photography, Light Lab LA, Echo and Earl, and narrator of the Out of Line podcast is on the same boat as many women and wanted to learn more about her reproductive health. She opted to take EverlyWell's fertility test to learn if her hormones are balanced to support normal ovarian function.
The truth is that infertility is actually very common among women, so it makes sense that more and more are getting their health checked at an earlier age. Infertility is caused by problems with ovulation, and ovulation issues are often caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. About 10% of women ages 15-44 have difficulty staying pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Factors that determine a woman’s inability to get pregnant include age, smoking, excess, alcohol use, poor diet, stress, athletic training, being overweight or underweight, and STIs.
For some women, insurance protocols will not authorize testing for fertility until their physician has documented they have actively been trying for a year to conceive with no success. The EverlyWell test gives women the opportunity to test their fertility on their own timelines.
You selected the Women’s Fertility Test. What were your results and what were you hoping to learn from the test?
Well, I’m 32. I know that isn’t ‘old’, but I also know that evolutionarily speaking, it is a lot easier to get pregnant before 35. I love the idea of having my own children, but I also love my life right now and am so enjoying my career and my time alone with my husband, so I don’t feel rushed to start having kids. I wanted to gain insight into my body so that I can better prepare myself for what is possible. The ‘optimal’ FSH result for getting pregnant easily and naturally is any number lower than 9, and my result was 7.3. I won’t lie, I breathed a little sigh of relief.
Did anything about your test results surprise you or intrigue you?
I didn’t even know what FSH was (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) before I got my results, so I learning about my results caused me to dive into reading up on FSH and educating myself on my body, and what it’s up to without me even knowing it. Knowledge is power!
EverlyWell was designed to make the lab testing process more convenient for everyone. How was your experience taking the test from home?
I LOVED not having to leave the comfort of my own home to take the test. I’m busy (you are, too!) and so taking it myself at any hour that I wanted to was a perfect fit for my lifestyle.
How would you compare EverlyWell at home tests to an in-person visit with a women ’s health doctor?
More efficient, faster, more flexible to whatever your scheduling needs are, more affordable.
How has your wellness routine developed throughout the past few years? Any new habits or activities you’ve tried?
Besides exercising twice a week, I also started working with a nutritionist to understand things that may be creating inflammation in my body. We’re all aging, and I think it’s super important to be proactive and preventative with our health, rather than waiting and having to do maintenance after something ‘bad’ happens.
How did it feel to take matters into your own hands with EverlyWell?
It feels so empowering to have a product so readily available to me that equips me with knowledge about my own body. I would like to be a mother someday, but I also love my career and my marriage and would love to have more time with them before I move into a very new season of life. This test is something we women should all take, whether we want to have children, or not. Knowledge is power! So get some!
Anne Sage
Anne is an interior design expert, content creator, and founder of Light Lab. She's been blogging since 2008 and has always had a stylish, trend-forward approach to design. She also has her own book, Sage Living: How to Decorate for the Life You Want, an interiors volume. Anne opted to take EverlyWell's Thyroid Test to see how her thyroid is working and if there's a need to evaluate her thyroid function further.
Anybody can experience thyroid issues, but women are ten times more likely than men to have a thyroid disorder. Women who have been pregnant for six months, have Type 1 diabetes, are over the age of 50, and smokers are just some of the few who are susceptible to thyroid issues. Because your thyroid controls much of your metabolism, it’s important to monitor thyroid function for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (too much thyroid activity and too little thyroid activity).
You selected the Thyroid Test. What were your results and what were you hoping to learn from the test?
I learned that one of my thyroid hormones, T4, is low, which is consistent with recent physical symptoms I’ve been having like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and frequent muscle soreness.
Did anything about your test results surprise you or intrigue you?
I’d say my main reaction was a relief. It’s so nice to be able to put a scientific explanation on how I’m feeling! I think as women, especially, we have a hard time trusting our own experience of our bodies—especially with less measurable symptoms like fatigue and low-grade, yet chronic pain. So it’s almost like my test hugged me and said, “No, Anne, you’re not making this stuff up!” And now, armed with a little knowledge, I can make some lifestyle adjustments to course correct. It’s empowering!
EverlyWell was designed to make the lab testing process more convenient for everyone. How was your experience taking the test from home?
In all honesty, I was nervous about taking the test. I’m not squeamish about other people’s blood, but when it’s my own, I get a bit sick to my stomach. Pricking my finger and squeezing enough blood onto the test card wasn’t my favorite thing I’ve ever done, but it wasn’t painful, and it was over quickly—in way less time than if I’d had to drive to a doctor’s office and wait around to be seen!
How would you compare EverlyWell at home tests to an in-person visit with a women’s health doctor?
Full disclosure: I haven’t been to a women’s health doctor in a few years! Just finding one to go to is so overwhelming. Half the ones I’ve looked at don’t take insurance, and those that do are often booked for months in advance. Let’s just say that healthcare definitely isn’t designed with convenience in mind; and for someone like me who puts self-care last on my to-do list, the convoluted system makes it way too easy to avoid the doctor altogether.
How has your wellness routine developed throughout the past few years? Any new habits or activities you’ve tried?
I recently discovered facial massage when I posted an Instagram story about how puffy my face had gotten during a recent heat wave. A follower sent me some links to YouTube videos with various lymphatic massage techniques, and I’m hooked! Just five minutes of facial massage wakes up my complexion and firms my skin, and using massage to encourage lymph drainage is great for the immune system too!
How did it feel to take matters into your own hands with EverlyWell?
The ability to take matters into my own hands gives me so much respect for the miracle that is the human body. It has so many innate healing powers built right in, and we’re able to tap into those powers with just a little extra knowledge. It’s also given me more confidence to trust how I’m feeling. If I sense that something’s off, there’s a good chance that it is!
We love a brand that supports women through information and resources so that we can make more educated decisions for ourselves and the life that we want!
C&C readers can receive 15% off any EverlyWell test by using the promo code 'CREATE' at checkout.
By: Andrea Navarro
Check out EverlyWell for complete, easy-to-read test result reports online in just a few days for all tests collected in the comfort of your home. EverlyWell empowers individuals by providing easy access to health data.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
C&C Classifieds: Anastasia Beverly Hills, Gray Malin, Marriott Hotels & More!
Can you believe we're nearly a month into summer? If your job search has you down, it's time keep on moving. Trust us, we know how stressful the job hunting processs is, so we're here to help.
Ahead, we bring you a brand new list of C&C Classifieds. Get your CV or resume ready and get back on the applicaiton track.
Richer-Poorer - San Juan Capistrano, CA
Gary Malin - LA, CA
Anastasia Beverly Hills - LA, CA
Marriott Hotels - ATL, GA
Create & Cultivate - LA, CA
MORE FROM OUR BLOG