6 Things You've Never Done to Save Time, But Should
Time management 101.
Young professionals are busy. Between work, friends and finding time for self-care, it feels like there’s little left in the day for anything else. Worse, there are probably dozens of things you’re doing that are zapping the little time you do have—and you don’t even realize you’re doing it. The good news is there are many ways to take that time back, but you’ve probably never tried them before. Stop dealing with this time-crunched life. Try these ideas instead.
Find Someone on TaskRabbit
If you’ve never used TaskRabbit to outsource time-consuming to-do list items, now is the time to try. While the service is most commonly known for tasks like delivering food or drink items to your house or finding affordable handyman services, you can use it for just about any task you can think of.
PureWow suggests “Taskers,” as they’re called, can do all the following:
● Put together your Ikea furniture
● Wait in line at a restaurant
● Nitty-gritty wedding planning details
● Deliver flowers
● Hand-write thank you notes
● Help hang your gallery wall
● Re-organize your closet
● Cook a week’s worth of meals
● Bartend your next BBQ
● Plan your next vacation
And that’s just a short list. The best part, all of these tasks cost anywhere from $19 to $40 per hour. For those of us that are more time-crunched than we’d like to believe, these services would make a huge dent in time spent during the day.
Track Your Time
If you keep feeling like you’re running out of time—at work, at home, wherever—it’s time to start tracking what you’re doing, and how long it’s taking. There are dozens of free time trackers available, including RescueTime, Toggle, and iTrackMyTime. All you have to do is fill it in with the tasks you do most often and then start the clock when you do.
At the end of the week or month, look through your time tracker to see where you’ve spent the most time. You may be shocked to see you spent four hours watching T.V. every night, but can’t seem to find time to read more. Suddenly, you’ve found your time-saver: watch less T.V. or read for 30 minutes before you flick it on to wind down at night.
Pick Up the Phone
Texting, emailing and in-app messaging is convenient when you’re having a casual
conversation. When it comes to making plans, however, nothing beats a traditional phone call to save time. Instead of going back and forth on details, or waiting for a response on a timely question, you can hash it out right then and there.
Video calling makes this even more fun—so next time you’re making plans, pick up the phone, hop on a video call and plan it out together. Paired with a glass of wine, it will feel like you’re planning in the same room together.
Use Wash and Fold Service
Laundry is a necessary evil. According to CD One Price Cleaners, it’s also a time consuming one. They found that it takes 100 minutes to do a single load of laundry—and no, that doesn’t count folding it too. Don’t let this chore take up any more of your free time. Instead, use a wash and fold service once a week, and look for one that offers same-day pick- up. If you live in a major metropolitan area, this will be easy to find, as most cleaners now offer this service. Then, just drop your clothes off before work and pick them up on your way home. Now you have the whole night to enjoy, whether you want to curl up on the couch or head out
with friends.
Make Idle Time Productive Time
While it’s nice to have downtime, if you often have unoccupied time during the day—think: traveling on public transportation, standing in line at the grocery store, waiting at the doctor’s office—rethink how you use it. By being more productive during this otherwise unused time, you free up space later in the day to do other things that are important to you.
In these moments, focus on small tasks like, texting your mom back or reading through a long email from your boss. Anything that you’d normally put off for days at a time, but that can be done quickly with your phone.
If you know you’ll have idle time on your hands that week or the next day, make a short list of things you can get done. When the time comes, open your to-do list and knock them off.
Stop Your Social Media Scrolling
How often do you turn to your phone to scroll while a page is loading (I’ve already done it three times while writing this article!) and then you stay on it for another 5 minutes because you get sucked in. This is a tough item to add to your time tracking because it’s often in short spurts, but those can add up quickly.
To get your scroll habit under control, and stop wasting time, check out AntiSocial. This app tracks your phone usage and lets you know how you compare to others. You’ll also get a usage score and tips for reducing how often you reach for your phone. You may find you’re spending way more time on your phone than you think, but the data may be enough to help you cut down, saving a little (or a lot of) time each day.
Save Time Once and For All
Get your time-wasting habits and chores under control. Use TaskRabbit to outsource waiting for a table at your new favorite restaurant. Drop your clothes off at the wash and fold when you know you have a busy week ahead. Pick up the phone to make plans instead of texting. All these tasks are simple, yet hugely helpful when it comes to saving time. Better yet: use the time tracker so you can see the progress for yourself.
Jessica Thiefels has been writing for more than 10 years and is currently a full-time writer, content marketing consultant and business owner. She’s been featured in Forbes and Business Insider and has written for Manta, StartupNation, Glassdoor, Lifehack and more. Follow her on Twitter @Jlsander07 and connect LinkedIn.
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6 Career-Driven Books That Will Inspire You to be Your Best Self
Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
We all need a good read every now and then, and here at C&C we’re always looking for new material. A good book is so much more than an interesting plot, climax, and conclusion. A good read must inspire us to live a happier and fuller life, and in our case encourage us to go after our dream jobs and career paths.
Our current reading list for the month of August is full of career-driven reads with no BS advice and stories that we can all benefit from. And let’s face it, we all need a light kick in the ass from time to time.
Jot down this list, and get to some more summer reading.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
The show creator and producer explains how her career changed once she started saying yes. She gets real about everything from avoiding public appearances to suffering panic attacks before some of her interviews. We wouldn’t expect this from a female powerhouse, but that’s exactly the point. She made a promise to herself and for a year she vowed to say yes to everything that scared her.
Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht
Aliza is the voice behind the famed Twitter account, @DKNYPRGirl. Although she left her post at the fashion house, and the Twitter account is no more, she mastered the art of social media when you’re at the prime of your career. Her tongue-in-cheek humor and real-talk advice make readers feel like they’re listening to the wiser big sister they never had.
Like She Owns the Place by Cara Alwill Leyba
Is there a weight on your shoulders that’s getting in the way of your confidence? Then this one’s for you. Cara dives into accepting every single part of ourselves whether it be failures, wrinkles, or straight-up f*ck ups. Her book will get you to find that unshakeable confidence you’ve been looking for in order to live your best life.
You’re Not Lost by Maxie McCoy
Maxie has had enough of hearing women say, “I’m so lost”. Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of saying those three darn little words. Her compelling guide helps readers get to the root of their self-doubt, and shine the light on small, yet impactful decisions that will make you stop feeling "lost" after all.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Kim focuses puts the focus on bosses in her book. After her careers at Google and Apple, she developed a class on how to be the best boss possible, also titled Radical Candor. As a voice respected by CEOs, Kim provides honest guidance on what it really takes to effectively lead others. The idea of Radical Candor is that in order to be a good boss, you have to care personally while challenging directly. Kim shows readers how to build better relationships at work and fulfill their responsibilities of being a leader.
WorkParty by Jaclyn Johnson (Available August 21st)
Our very own Jaclyn Johnson lets it all out in WorkParty. Jaclyn shares how she turned distrust into determination, frustration into fuel, and heartache into hard work—and how you can, too. It’s your no BS guide to building your own career, your empire, and the best future for you.
By: Andrea Navarro
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4 Must-Have Mentalities for Female Entrepreneurs
Your mentality is everything.
by Jaclyn Johnson
As a female entrepreneur, I have been faced with challenges, opportunities, dead ends and open doors. I've learned firsthand that when you have to be your own best friend and your harshest critic, your mentality is everything. Here are a few things I've learned along the way.
1. Done is better than perfect:
Now, many people might say this isn't the best approach to business. However, in a world that is moving a mile a minute, often being the first to market is key. So just get it out there. Holding back and fixing any last minute imperfections with your product, site, brand, app, whatever, won’t necessarily bring about a successful launch or business. So just being able to put your product or company out in the world and iterate on it is a beautiful thing—take advantage of that.
2. Your gut is probably right:
I have had to learn this lesson the hard way. Opportunities will present themselves, people will say they want to help you out (and often times, they will) but other times you’re being taken advantage of. Trust your gut and put your foot down.
3. Hard decisions lead to better results:
You will face many hard decisions and it will feel like it is impossible to recover or deal with the decisions you are going to make, but trust me it is worth it. Harder decisions get easier to make over time. Don’t get sidetracked by the minutia—always envision the long game.
You will fail and that’s okay. You will mess up, you will be wrong, and that's okay, too. It's okay because you’re human after all. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Simply accept it and move on.
As a type A, “don’t worry I got this” individual, I realize how hard this can be, but it is crucial that you are your own number one fan and your own support system.
4. You’re a boss, not a bitch:
Don’t confuse the two like other people so often seem to. You are running a company and with that comes a lot of delegation and management, so don’t feel bad for telling an employee that what they did wasn’t satisfactory. It’s okay to say no if your employee asks to leave early on a busy day. You are a boss and as such you have to play that role and lay down the law when necessary.
This post first appeared on the Create & Cultivate Facebook. Follow us for more.
Free Download: The Ultimate Social Media Checklist for Your Brand
Time to apply some Spring cleaning to your social media.
When was the last time you did a social media review and made sure that your social media was in tip top shape? Spring is here, and just like it’s time to clean up and organize your home and office spaces, you should also do the same with your social media. If you can’t remember the last time you did it, or perhaps haven’t done it at all, your time is now.
When it comes to executing a seamless social media marketing strategy, you have to make sure you have all your ducks in a row and have covered all your bases. From checking to see if you know who has access to your accounts, to making sure that you have set your goals in a KPI sheet, we’ve got you covered in our free social media review checklist.
Get started on your social media review and download the checklist below now.
C&C Classifieds: La Croix, Small Girls PR, VidCon & More!
Get hired!
For this week's C&C Classifieds, we have a diverse set of roles fit for so many of you boss ladies. If you dream of being a PR maven or want to get your feet wet in the video production world, you'll want to scroll through these awesome gigs.
We also have a set of marketing and social media roles on the list too! With summer wrapping up, it's the perfect time to make the leap if you've had your mind set on a new role.
Good luck!
WeWork - Multi-City
Marketing & Events/Programming Manager - New York
Marketing & Partnerships Manager - Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia
Programming Associate, Creator Awards - New York
Marketing & Partnerships Manager - Miami or Atlanta
Something Social - LA, CA
Dear Media - LA. CA
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It's Black Women's Equal Pay Day: Here's Everything We Want You to Know
They’re worth EVERY single penny.
Today is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. If you're not sure what that means, allow us to fill you in. This means that Black women had to work full-time during all of 2017, and this far into 2018, in order to catch up with what white men earned in total in 2017. In other words, black women earn 38% less than white men.
To put it into perspective, imagine losing 38% of your entire salary or imagine making a purchase online and only receiving 38% of your order once it's delivered. That is the reality that Black women in America face every single day. But it doesn't end there. Black women also take home 21% less than white women in the same respective fields.
The reasons for highlighting this day are endless, but some stand out in particular and are a huge contribution to the problem. A study revealed that one in three Americans are fully unaware of the pay disparity between Black women and white men, and 50% of Americans are unaware that there is an income gap between Black women and white women, including hiring managers. In order to see the changes that must be made, this conversation can't stop anytime soon.
This pay gap exists across all industries, too. It doesn't matter if these women are Black doctors, creatives, educators—you name it. A Black woman still makes 38% less than her white male counterparts working at the same level, and 21% less than white females.
"There are currently zero Black female CEOs running Fortune 500 companies."
SOME HARD FACTS
The pay gap starts as early as the age of 16 at a rate of 16% and grows from there.
More than 80% of Black women are the 'breadwinners' in their household, so this affects them and their families tremendously.
Providing groceries, a home, paying tuition and more all need to be put into perspective.
Over the course of a 40-year career, the average Black woman loses more than $867,000 as a result of the wage gap.
In some states, this disparity is a lot worse. (i.e. in Virginia the total lifetime losses due to the wage gap total to $1,833,800.)
Almost one-half of white men say that obstacles to advancement between themselves and Black women no longer exist at work.
Only 14% of Black women agree with that statement.
There are currently zero Black female CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies.
Ursula Burns left her post as the CEO of Xerox in 2016.
Black women who have a Master's Degree only make slightly more, approximately less than $2,000 more, than white men with just an Associate's Degree.
WHAT IF BLACK WOMEN WERE PAID FAIRLY?
If this pay gap were closed, Black women would bring home almost $870,000 more over the course of their career.
The extra earnings of each Black woman would pay for three years of groceries.
There would be room for more Black women to purchase homes, earn diplomas, pay off student debt faster, and lead more financially comfortable lives.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
Legislative action is a start. Representatives need to enforce anti-discrimination laws in the workforce in order to make sure this isn't starting at the top.
Employers need to act and be aware of their employees receiving fair and equal compensation, especially those at the same level.
Unionization is crucial.
Among full-time workers, Black women who are union members make 23% more than Black women who are not union members.
We, as a society, need to keep the conversation going and talking about this. The numbers show just how unaware plenty of Americans are when it comes to this issue. In order to take any steps forward we must continue to educate those around us.
WHAT OUR AUDIENCE HAD TO SAY
On August 7th, 2018, Create & Cultivate hosted a live Twitter chat for Black Women's Equal Pay Day in partnership with 21 Ninety, Tribe, and blkcreatives. We wanted to get real responses from real Black women who face this pay disparity every day of their careers. Here are some of the most staggering responses we received.
"I asked for a 20k raise at my last company to bring me up to market rate. I was given 10k & more work. I found another job making 25k more."- Anastasia
"I also think it's worth noting that the MONEY is NOT the only thing you want to negotiate. If the money isn't where you want it to be, talk about work from home days, additional vacation days, other opportunities for you to feel VALUED!- Erica
"Some employers really don’t understand how much you may be spending daily just to get to work on time. That’s just transportation costs as an example. Opening up and telling them may open their eyes to bigger problems going on that they may be more willing to help solve."- K. Doug
"There’s a difference between an unfair offer and a struggle offer. I normally don’t write for free, but for a startup that I believe in? Sure. But people don’t magically start valuing you—especially when you’ve already said they don’t need to."- Dawn
For more tips check out 21 Ninety's FREE guide on negotiating your worth.
By: Andrea Navarro
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Time-Saving Wedding Planning Tips That Won't Get In The Way Of Your Work
Stressed out? Read this.
Planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things a couple will go through. After all, it is the biggest day of your lives and requires a lot of time, energy, effort, and attention to detail. Our millennial generation is busier than ever and it can be overwhelming to think about how to squeeze in wedding planning after your #JustSaidYes moment. If nuptials are in your future, we've compiled a list of time-saving hacks that will have you crying tears of happiness versus tears of stress. We teamed up with our friends at WeddingWire to identify time-saving wedding planning tips to help take the weight off your shoulders.
Own the Process - Create a Checklist
You need a clear roadmap of what needs to be done by when. The best way to prioritize your obligations is to create a to-do list that will help you stay on track. From our experience, a written list isn’t going to cut it. Our favorite tool is WeddingWire’s Wedding Checklist which is accessible from anywhere (cell phones, tablet, laptops!). This means you’ll be able to track your progress and cross items off from anywhere you feel like planning.
Use Recommended Vendors
You wouldn’t go to a restaurant without looking at their reviews before booking, why would you do any different with your wedding vendors? Check out the reviews from other couples who have worked with your favorite vendors and set-up in-person meetings or phone calls to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your fiance.
Organize your Outreach
Once you’ve done your vendor research, this is where the need of organization comes into play. Since you’ll probably be using email a great deal during this process, your wedding-related emails will likely get mixed up with your personal email, becoming a confusing and disorganized experience for everyone. By using the WeddingWire Vendor Manager, it will track whether you’ve favorited, contacted, or booked a vendor - keeping everything in one place.
Hire A Wedding Planner
A seasoned wedding planning professional will make the planning process smoother since they know the ins and outs of everything involved in a wedding. If you have the budget, you might as well let someone else take care of all the details.
Make ONE Mood Board And Only One
As much as you love your bridal Pinterest boards, we recommend combining everything into one. Slow your roll on continuously looking for inspiration and define your wedding aesthetic. Coming up with a cohesive theme early on in the process will help you clearly communicate your vision to your vendors. A wedding planner or venue can't work with messy direction, and it'll make the planning process a nightmare if you can't agree on anything.
Don’t DIY
If you've dreamed of making items for your own wedding, but just don't have the time to do so, it's time to accept that this isn't the best idea. DIY projects take up a lot of time, and if you have other things to tend to why put unnecessary stress on yourself? It's not worth it, and a professional can bring all of your creative visions to life. Just trust them!
Have A Small Guest List
Okay, so this can get tricky. If you have a big family and can't scale down on your wedding guest list, consider making your bridal party smaller. On the other hand, if you can make your guest list a bit smaller, then that'll make your life easier. The fewer guests to worry about, the better. You don't have to invite everyone you know, and not all of your friends have to be in your wedding.
Divide Wedding Planning Tasks
If you're hiring a wedding planner and still have tasks that anyone in your bridal party can handle, then delegate those ASAP. If you're not hiring a wedding planner, then ask everyone you know to step up to the plate and pitch in to help where they can. Dividing these tasks early on will determine who does what and avoid any mishaps along the way. You'll also know who to turn to for questions on those delegated areas.
WeddingWire, Inc. is the trusted global online marketplace, connecting consumers with local wedding professionals and a suite of comprehensive tools that make wedding planning easier. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire helps 13 million couples every month find the right team of wedding professionals to personalize and pull off their special day. Consumers around the world are able to read more than 5 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a directory of over 500,000 vendors local to them. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio serves couples and wedding professionals across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Visit WeddingWire online at WeddingWire.com and follow on social media at Facebook.com/WeddingWire and @WeddingWire on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
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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.
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C&C Classifieds: Becca PR, Shine Influencers, Erin Condren, & More
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?"
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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!
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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!
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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
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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!"
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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
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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
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