The Best 24 Target Office Finds Under $100 (According to Designers In the Know)
For a productive (and pretty) desk.
Take a look around your desk right now. Is it neat and orderly or messy and cluttered? Don’t worry if yours is in the latter camp, I’m definitely there with you, too. It’s not for a lack of wanting to be organized—I even asked 20 people for their work hacks to ramp up my productivity—but we all know how busy our lives are now and getting your desk in order always slides to the end of our to-do lists. Right?
So, I have been on a personal mission to organize my disorderly desk because research shows that a stylish work environment equates to enhanced well-being and increased efficiency. Basically, it’s a win-win. Whether you work from home or have an office to go to, there are small (and inexpensive) things you can do to create improve the atmosphere—this chic under-$100 office décor is a good place to start.
So, we turned to some of our designer friends to share some of their favorite office finds for creating a productive and pretty desk. And bonus, all of them are available at Target for under $100. You’re welcome.
Breegan Jane, Founder, BreeganJane.com
Ubrands Marble Dry Erase Board
$10
“Using natural materials in a space is one of my design signatures. The allure and grace of marble is simply unmatched. With this marble patterned erase board, you can capture the elegance of the stone, even in the little things. After all, both goal-chasing and beauty lie in the details.”
Moleskine 2019-2020 Planner
$20
“Busy schedules and appointment-filled days call for structure and endless reminders. These Moleskine planners ensure you’ll never miss a commitment. They’re available in a variety of colors, so you’re certain to find one that tickles your fancy. My interior designer’s brain insists that even my office supplies align with my aesthetic, so teal is my choice. I never mind the ocean-hued wash of color sprinkled about in my space because it only enhances the gold accents in the office. Gorgeous planners laying on desks and tables unintentionally act as décor.”
Ubrands White Wood Frame Burlap Bulletin Board
$33
“The versatility of this board is what I love. Create an inspiring vision board, post photos of your family, or add your weekly to-do list. This board can be utilized in so many ways and would be a great addition to any home or office space.”
Ubrands Gel Pens
$13
“Branding and professional image is important, and that even involves my signature. Gel pens offer me longevity when it comes to writing because they are fade-proof, and that’s what I prefer when I sign contracts and important documents. The colors are bolder, and that’s needed when I want my name and notes to stand out.”
Up&Up Sticky Notes
$3
“Multitasking is the name of my game. I tend to transfer ideas from one place to the next, and sticky notes are perfect for that. I love that I can move sticky notes with ease versus tearing paper out and tucking it somewhere I’ll never remember. They’re small, transferable and brightly colored—all things that help me keep great ideas in sight as I go throughout my day.”
Monica Wilcox, Founder M Wilcox Design
“This versatile hanging file is not only mobile, but very functional and stylish, I love the leather file holder on this.”
“This catch-all pencil holder is great for all your essentials and I love the gold finish on this.”
Threshold Gold Letter Tray
$11
“This letter tray is also very stylish and a chic storage option for other files on your desk.”
Barker Creek File Folders
$11
“I love this coordinating piece to go with the tray. It’s modern design can go with boho-chic or modern rustic.”
Botanical Notebook
$11
“I love the colorful florals in this notebook design, the bold orange, cool blue, and green coordinate beautifully together.”
Room Essentials Organizer Task Lamp
$20
“This lamp and supply holder does double duty with adding space and organization (in a chic design) to your desk area.”
RoomMates Boho Floral Peel and Stick Giant Wall Decals
$11
“I’m completely obsessed with wall decals right now and this colorful floral motif will brighten up any space.”
Threshold Magazine File
$13
“This is the final coordinating piece to my collection of storage for files and a catch-all for your to-do list.”
Nina Magon, Founder, Contour Interior Design
Project 62 Dean LED Task Lamp
$30
“It's a sleek and minimalistic table lamp that’s great for working and reading without taking up too much room on your desk.”
Project 62 Thin Gallery Frame
“This frame is a simple and classic way to display a personal photo or art to add interest in your office space.”
Project 62 Decorative Box
$18
“This little wooden box is a great mini storage item for paperclips to remove clutter from your desk surface.”
Threshold Decorative Bookend
$12
“This marble bookend is a great way to organize your book collection and add a stylish touch.”
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Vase
$14
“This wooden vase is the perfect way to incorporate some flowers or greenery and add a pop of nature to an office space.”
John McClain, Founder, John McClain Design
Target Modern Wall Shelf
$13
“Store that stapler, tape dispenser, pencil cup, paperclips, and whatever other bits of office minutia are cluttering up your desk on this practical wall shelf. The small ledge will keep items put while the modern design will keep the aesthetic clean.”
Smith & Hawken Brass Gold Planter
$8
“Speaking of pencil cups, why not store your writing utensils in this perfect little pot? Originally intended as a planter, this vessel is perfectly designed to hold your pencils and pens without shedding shavings or wayward ink. The shape is also a subtle reminder to finish up what you are doing and go outside.”
Project 62 Metal Wall Pocket Black
$15
“Files are a necessary evil but the storage of files doesn’t necessarily have to be ugly. This chic metal holder will keep your files, catalogs, magazines or what-not hidden but within easy reach. The ever so subtly creased corners are reminiscent of a brown paper bag... lunch anyone?”
Project 62 Decorative Gold Envelope
$13
“For those smaller scraps of paper such as notes, receipts and (gulp) bills, this metal envelope is the cutest catch-all. Who hasn’t put that little piece of paper “somewhere safe” never to see it again? Those days will be long over with this little beauty.”
Threshold Reversible Bulletin & Chalk Board with Gold Frame
$15
“Write down a phone number, create your daily to-do’s or pin an inspirational image to this adaptable multitasker. Need to make notes? Chalkboard is at your service. Papers and images need to be visibly available? Corkboard to the rescue. With the flick of the wrist this ‘do it all’ will help keep you organized. It’s not hard on the eyes either.”
Project 62 Planter Decorative Wall Sculpture White, Set of 2
$15
“Remind yourself that you work to live not live to work with these sweet geometric planters. Fill the vessels with flowers, ferns, air plants or whatever catches your fancy. As they hang from the wall, no space is sacrificed for beauty. For those with a truly black thumb the containers can be filled with paper clips, rubber bands, or push pins.”
Why We're Celebrating the Good (and the Bad) From 2019 and Stepping Boldly Into the New Year
See inside our cocktail party during the Vision Summit in Miami.
In paid partnership with Steve Madden.
The year that was 2019 is almost over and yes, it was definitely challenging at times but we all know that out of change and failure comes growth, right? And ultimately, that stretching and persistence to get through the bad times with the good is what will take us to the next stage in our career, and our lives.
So, we decided to celebrate the many tests and stumbles we experienced last year by partnering with our friends at Steve Madden during our Vision Summit in Miami. We want to encourage everyone to put the year behind them and step boldly into 2020 with confidence and style.
We invited local visionaries, bosses, and founders to join us and clink champagne in celebration of our achievements while enjoying the stunning collection from Steve Madden footwear. Click through the gallery below to see all the fun photos from the night and head to the comments to let us know how you’re stepping boldly into the New Year.
Strong Suit: 12 People We Admire Share What They Wear to Look (and Feel) Powerful at Work
Let’s get down to business.
From the outside, Mindy Kaling is the definition of confidence. She’s never been afraid to speak out, she isn’t afraid to be vulnerable (she was so open about her fears of raising her daughter as a single mom), and she has redefined the outdated beauty (growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she wasn’t considered “traditionally cute”) and gender standards in Hollywood (for the first year, she was the only woman on staff at The Office) paving the way for the rest of us. But Kaling will be the first to tell you that she wasn’t born with confidence or as she calls it that “bulletproof feeling”—it was earned.
Just hearing that makes us all sigh a little in relief, and yet it also makes us acutely aware of the work that needs to be done to acquire it. One quick and simple solution is via the outfit you wear to work. Clothing can be an incredibly powerful tool to summon confidence and self-assurance—what that outfit is, however, is different for everyone. That’s way we launched our new series, Strong Suit where we ask people we admire what to wear to work and how it makes them feel.
Read on to hear from founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs and be sure to let us know who you want to see featured next.
Jules Miller
Founder, The Nue Co
Jules’ Work Outfit:
“You can’t go wrong with AF1’s—they’re classic and I like these because they have a slight twist on the original design"
“Wearing comfortable clothes that make me feel confident is important for my day-to-day wear. I really like the cut and the fit of this silk shirt."
“Jeans are a staple in my wardrobe. I find Mother fit really well so I have these in a few different colors and designs."
“This oversized blazer is an easy addition for an updated work outfit. I throw it over a shirt and jeans or a dress."
Jennifer Fisher Gold Hoop Earrings
“I wear hoops daily, but my favorite are these Jennifer Fisher earrings. I’m a big fan of all Jennifer Fisher’s designs, especially these, as they’re simple, and elevate any outfit I wear.”
Comme Des Garçons Small Zip Pouch
“The Comme Des Garçons pouch is the perfect size for everything I need. It fits just the right amount of cards and I can throw it into any day bag or smaller bag when I’m out for the night.”
“My go-to beauty product is our Topical-C. It’s the one product I can say consistently keeps my skin bright, glowing and smooth. I mix around 2-3 shakes in with my face cream, morning and night."
Natalie Alcala
Founder, Fashion Mamas
Natalie’s Work Outfit:
“This is my dream suit. I'd wear it with a black or white bodysuit at work, and go bare under the blazer for a night out. Date night would inspire me to trade the pants for a mini skirt.”
“I love the silhouette of this mini dress, and the fact that it has buttons which I can easily undo for breastfeeding on the fly.”
UO Pennsport Plaid Button-Front Skirt
“Urban Outfitters is my go-to for quick mini skirts. I like to have an arsenal of them at all times. They're comfortable, accessible, and came be worn with both heels and sneakers.”
“LACAUSA is one of my favorite local L.A. brands. I love that this dress is beautiful for work but also cozy enough to keep on when you're hanging around the house after work. I'm one of those people who has to change into cozy clothes the second I walk into my home.”
Rachel Pally Linen Rocco Jumpsuit
“This jumpsuit screams I mean business. I love that you can work all day in this, in a variety of environments, and that it also zips down to your liking.”
Lillian Tung and Laura Schubert
Co-founders, Fur
Laura’s Work Outfit:
Pleats Please Pants by Issey Miyake
“As a business owner and mom to a toddler, I gravitate towards clothing that is versatile and durable without sacrificing style. I feel powerful in these knowing that I'll be ready to take on any situation, whether that's catching a flight, going to meetings, or chasing my daughter on the playground, who runs alarmingly fast for a two year old.”
Hanes x Karla the Crew t-shirt
“It's been said a million times, but having classic, go-to staples in your closet is a must. I love these updated Hanes classics designed by Karla Welch—it's the perfect boxy tee.”
“Jill Platner is a sculptor and jewelry maker who makes all her pieces on Crosby Street, only a few minutes away from where I used to live in Soho. In addition to being beautiful and durable pieces I can wear every day, I love that a lot of the metal she uses are made from recycled materials, in an effort to offset the environmental impact of mining.Z”
Zero Maria Cornejo Apron Dress
“Zero Maria Cornejo is a great woman-run brand that makes all their clothing in NYC, using sustainable practices. I recently got this denim apron dress that I love—I'll sometimes layer my Hanes x Karla tshirt underneath it so that I'm not shivering in the office.”
Lillian’s Work Outfit:
Fila Disruptor 2 Premium Sneakers
“I was recently told that the teens calls these ‘dinostompers’ but they're honestly so comfortable and fun. I wouldn't go as far as to call myself a sneakerhead but I like a good flashy sneaker that feels more dressy than athleisure. And you know what, I feel powerful dinostomping around in these.”
“While I was pregnant, I stole these from my husband's closet all the time—and now that I'm nursing, I'm not planning on giving them back. They're crisp, comfortable, and look great buttoned up or left open with a shirt underneath.”
“Laura had these on her list too, but I like the more wide leg funky shaped ones. Like she said, they're just such incredibly versatile pants and clearly very well designed.”
“Having a power blazer in the arsenal is crucial. It's also the easiest way to dress up a t-shirt or whatever you have on underneath. It's cliche, but you can't not feel powerful in a good blazer.”
“I love what Laura Lombardi is doing with her jewelry—they all seem to have such an eternal summer feel. She's an NYC based designer, and makes her pieces with almost exclusively raw or recycled metals, so it's a great brand I can get behind.”
Fur's Nothing-to-Hide Tote Bag
“We designed these tote bags with the slogan ‘Nothing to Hide’ as an homage to our mission at Fur of normalizing body hair, and being leaders in opening up the conversation. It comes with orders of the Fuller Frontal bundle, but lucky for me I'm always able to snag a few from the office supply.”
Anine Bing
Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing
Anine’s Work Outfit:
Anine Bing Becky Blazer and Anine Bing Becky Trouser
“There’s something so rock ‘n’ roll about a power suit. I love pairing something timeless with a tee and statement boots—this is a uniform that leaves me feeling ready for anything which is why it’s one of my go-to’s. I love this pinstripe pattern because it's so timeless, but when paired with a tee, this style can feel new again and modern. It’s so easy to dress up or down.”
“I wear boots every single day. They give every look that perfect amount of rock ‘n’ roll. I love our Annabelle boots in white to break up the dark suit.”
Mary Peffer
Los Angeles-based writer and photographer.
Mary’s Work Outfit:
Re/Done Levi’s Ultra High Rise Ankle Crop
“I’m polyamorous when it comes to my denim wardrobe and there’s something about old Levi’s that really allow you to move with confidence. Crucial since I’m always rolling around trying to take the perfect photo. Re/Done nails basically every design they conceive and their skinny jeans are no exception. Put them on and live your life as they mold to your body with each wear. “
JBrand Elsa Birthday Blazer In Black Leather
“Two words: power shoulder. Elsa Hosk’s buttery leather jacket makes you feel at once chic and like you can take over the world.”
Acne Studios Technical Sneakers
“I’ve always been a black-boot girl but this summer I leaned into sneakers out of necessity due to living on set and now I rarely take my Acne’s off. Who doesn’t want to work with pillows under their feet?”
“When it comes to handbags, Hedi Slimane can do no wrong in my eyes. After some significant denial about my financial means I took the plunge and invested in the C bag for my birthday. Reasoning my emotional response was intuition telling me this cross body with compartment space for days was rare. But maybe most importantly for me, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about seeing my industry peers rocking duplicates coming and going. Something I can’t stand when dropping a significant sum. Happy to report it has proven to be an extension of my body for its polished yet edgy vibe. “
Lauren Alexander
Founder, LNA Clothing
“My go-to, everyday office look, has been a white t-shirt and blue jeans for almost 14 years. We started LNA with just four white t-shirts in 2006 and it’s still my ultimate uniform. I grew up in California so classic relaxed dressing has always been my thing. I feel the most confident when I am being true to my personal style—in or out of the office. And plus, a perfectly worn pair of jeans and a crisp white tee is never going to go out of style.”
Lauren’s Work Outfit:
“My most worn LNA tee of 2019 is the Ava tee. It’s slightly cropped and boxy which a super thick neckband. I wanted it to look like you cut an old Hanes tee that was about 2 sizes too big for you.”
“Because my daily uniform is pretty basic I really focus on accessories to elevate my look and keep it from getting boring. Shoes, earrings, and my workbag are always my focus. It makes my jeans and tee outfit so much more fun. It’s where I tend to spend more money because to be honest these accessories get the most use and also take the biggest beating. I never treat anything like its too precious—I love the way my Gucci work bag gets all scratched and worn from over stuffing it with fabric and lugging it around to factories.“
Gucci Quilted slide sandal with Interlocking G Horsebit
“The main area where I like to change it up and keep things from getting mundane is my shoes. Designer shoes are a splurge, but my twin sister always repeats a quote to me when we go shoe shopping—“you spend the majority of your life in bed or in shoes”—and I just love that quote. I was in Italy last week and brought these quilted Gucci slides. They look like bedroom slippers and they are just the most comfortable shoes on the planet. I have worn them every single day since I got them.”
AGolde Cherie High-Rise Straight Jean
“I currently have 10 pairs of blue jeans that I keep on rotation. I used to only wear Levi’s but since last year I have become a massive AGolde fan. They remind me so much of old Levi’s and are my current go-to’s.”
“My favorite jewelry to wear every day is Luv Aj. Amanda (the owner and designer) is a friend of mine but I would wear it even if I didn’t already love her. I sleep, work out, shower, swim in the ocean, and work in her jewelry. My most worn Luv Aj pieces are always the earrings. I live in her cross hoops and dagger earrings the most. I love the edge they give my outfit. They are also the accessories I get asked most about. The rest of my jewelry is either vintage or one-of-a-kind.”
B-Low the Belt Baby Bri Bri Belt
“I grew up riding horses so I’m a sucker with anything that ties back to it. I love belts that have a western or ranch look to them. I saw a street style photo of Candice Swanepoel wearing one like this and I had to buy.”
Beautycounter Precision Liquid Eyeliner
“Another important element of my daily uniform is my make up. I always, always, always wear a cat eye. I like to think it’s my signature along with my red nails. It’s a way to instantly make me feel more dressed up and put together. I’m very big on natural and non toxic beauty so I use a lot of BeautyCounter products. I could go on and on about my whole routine, but, my eyeliner is defiantly the focus. The BC liquid liner is prefect for my every day cat eye and really stays put. I’ve tried almost every natural eyeliner, and this one is definitely one of my faves.”
Dr. Melissa Doft
Founder, Doft Plastic Surgery
“I almost always wear a dress to work. Being a female plastic surgeon is a rarity and I love to let my feminine side show through—it is also so much easier. Perhaps because I am a surgeon, I favor tailored clothing. To feel great in your clothes, you need to choose brands which fit your body well or have them tailored. I also love clothes with a fun detail or top stitching. Here are some things which I have my eye on.”
Melissa’s Work Outfit:
Zac Posen Asymmetric-Neck Sheath Dress
“I love the strong color of this dress. So often New Yorkers wear only black so I usually want to throw a color into the mix. This dress is tailored but sexy. I love it.”
Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Ruffled Mini Dress
“I love this cady dress. I wear this style often as it’s both professional and classic. The pink makes it fun and more modern.”
Gabriela Hearst Polka-Dot Silk-Twill Midi Dress
“Shirt dresses always work well. To me, they are equivalent to wearing a button down but so much better, and I like to be more playful with prints like understated polka-dots.”
J.Crew Fluted Hem A-Line Dress
“Tweed makes me feel grown-up, but the print and little ruffle are so fun.”
Melissa Jones
CEO and Creative Director, DTE Studio
Photo: Su Mustecaplioglu
Melissa’s Work Outfit:
Dries Van Noten Sateen Double-Breasted Blazer
Dries Van Noten Crepe Wide-Leg Trousers
"I love an oversized blazer and trousers, it’s comfortable, not tight and restrictive and the oversized look adds a playful touch but is still business. Dries Van Noten is my favorite for suits; tailored but casual and easy. His suits are perfect to wear together or as separates, you can’t go wrong with this kind of an investment."
"For an everyday look it’s always cool to dress down a suit so wearing a casual top is more my style. My friend Erin Beatty (formerly of Suno) started this awesome new brand Rentrayage to repurpose, reinvent and redesign existing clothes. I love this piece from her latest t-shirt collection but they sell out fast."
"For a super important meeting where you want to make an impression I love a clean, fresh white blouse. To avoid contributing to over-consumerism I try to buy these basics from outlets or designer warehouses so that I still get the quality I want but I’m helping to reduce waste by buying great products from unsold older collections."
"With jewelry, I prefer pieces that I can wear every day and never take off. I’m not great with changing my jewelry everyday so simple clean styles like a tennis bracelet or gold hoop earring are my staple. Jewelry Designer Bliss Lau is a client and friend and I adore her work so she creates custom rings for me that expand on her Kaleidoscope puzzle ring—five rings in one that you can mix and match. I love creating new combinations with her pieces."
Balenciaga BB Slingback Flat Ballerina
"For shoes, my go-to is a flat pointed toe. It’s comfortable and stylish, not too frumpy. I’m obsessed with these Balenciaga flats lately."
Rachel Krupa
Founder, Krupa Consulting and The Goods Mart
Rachel’s Work Outfit:
“ I’m obsessed with this bodysuit, it’s literally the one piece that I always travel with. It’s so versatile. Great with jeans, shirt, under a dress, heck, I’ve even wore it under leggings to work out—a staple.”
“I feel awake when I put on my red lip. This is the perfect red that can be worn day or night. It literally boosts my confidence.”
“I call these my cool grandpa shoes. They are sustainable which adds a pep to my step and they are comfortable.”
Annie Bing Rosemary Slip Dress
“Three words to describe this dress: sophisticated, sexy and comfortable. I’m loving pairing this dress with my Everlane Threads.”
“Hot outside equals cold inside. When the air conditioner is bumping, I love tossing this sweater on. It’s a beautiful color and sooo soft.”
Fleur Du Mal Straight Neck Cami
“I’m all about how things feel and this cami feels incredible on. My work uniform is typically black, white, navy and grey with pops of red. This is my go-to red.”
“I love a good high waisted jean… it’s something about feeling like I’m getting a hug all day long.”
“If I were to live in a decade based on fashion, I would have been the 70’s and these jeans are the perfect pair. Soft to the touch, high waisted and really interesting.”
Evelyn Couzijn
La Prairie Vice President Sales, North America
Photo: Russell Starr @ Starr Digital Photo Inc.
Evelyn’s Work Outfit:
Dolce & Gabbana Half-Sleeve Jewel-Neck Sheath Dress
“This classic dress is perfect for a day in the office or to meet clients. Classic, simple and sleek exudes confidence.”
Tom Ford Bell-Sleeve Silk Sheath Cocktail Dress
“This dress is great when the day moves into an evening function for classic elegance.”
The Row Devi Sleeveless Sheath Dress
“Another classic dress for the office or for meetings out of the office. Classic no frills make this a comfortable style that is non-distracting.”
One can never go wrong with an Armani suit. The relax cut in the pants and jacket makes sitting and working at a desk super comfortable. This style takes it up a notch with a velvet blazer that works from day into the evening. The midnight blue is very flattering.”
Donna Karan Double Breasted Jumpsuit
”This Donna Karen jumpsuit is perfect for a no-fuss day touring malls. Easy to walk and sit in.”
Dr. Lamees Hamdan
CEO and Founder, Shiffa
“I don’t wear full-on suits. I wear either a cool pant (by Marni, Chloe or The Row) with a shirt, or a suit jacket with neutral pants. I love midi and long dresses as well. Every season I buy a silk printed shirt from Isabel Marant. Comfort, good fabrics and great cuts rule above everything else for me. I would rather repeat something to death, than buy lesser quality, or buy more clothes. And I build on things—I expect to wear my clothes each season, so I tend to choose styles that don’t date, or that are “anti-fashion” such as Marni and Prada.”
Lamees’ Work Outfit:
Isabel Marant Jalford Ruched Roll-Neck Top
“Leopard print for me is a neutral, and I am so into nude palettes right now (my only colorful clothes come from Marni).”
Brooks Brothers Merino Wool Jacket
“This blazer is so beautifully cut, nice and sharp—I wear it all the time.”
“Silk shirts (black, white, and colors) from J. Crew are great value and beautiful to wear.”
Borgo De Nor Rafaela Orchid and Leopard-Print Crepe Midi Dress
“This dress is supremely comfortable, sexy yet professional at the same time. I love this dress and it’s quickly becoming a favorite (I’ve already worn it many times).”
“I find good pants are a must, so I usually get mine from Chloe and The Row. They both look good on my body type, and, especially Chloe, always has interesting prints. Because I live in hot areas, I find loose silk printed pants very useful (T-shirt for a casual office look, with a blazer for a “meeting” look).”
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Leather Low-Heel Slingback Pump
“For shoes I usually go for neutrals—Manolo Blahnik nude sling backs or gold Gucci gold pumps. I bought these Monolos in nude and wear them until I need a new pair. It covers me for so many outfits, both dresses and pants.”
“ I bought these years ago when they first launched, and I find I use them a lot especially fall/winter. The block heel is strong and the gold color gives a little playful irreverence to your look. I don’t like a ‘too-stuffy-office’ look.”
Kim Perell
Angel Investor, National Bestselling Author and Tech CEO
Kim’s Work Outfit:
“Black dresses are simple and always look good, no matter the setting.”
“This is a great comfortable dress with an exposed zipper up the back, which is always recognizable.”
Theory Travel Wool Classic Blazer
“A red blazer is a powerful color which stands out and makes for a great statement piece. Wear this for a professional look with a little bit of flair.”
“My job requires me to travel up to 80% of the time and a classic black flat will always look classy and comfortable for long walks through the airport or between meetings.”
“This is a great investment piece. Classic, professional, comfortable and will take you from meetings, to dinners, to after work events.”
Vince Camuto Savilla Point-Toe Pump
“A black classic pump with a wearable heal height. Perfect for a young woman building her wardrobe.”
“I love a big bag. It provides enough space to keep everything including my purse, laptop, and any business materials, as well as a change of shoes. This bag is easy to travel with and matches everything.”
Up Next: 3 Thoughts That Are Holding You Back From Everything You Want in Life.
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Pack This, Not That: Anine Bing Shares Her 10 Travel Essentials for the Plane
She never flies without them.
Traveling is fun but it can also be taxing on your body, especially when your job requires you to be on a plane every other week—because let’s be honest, planes are breeding grounds for bacteria. So, how do you stay healthy and make your flight more enjoyable? In our new series, Pack This, Not That we ask regular jetsetters—from CEOs to entrepreneurs—to share the carry-on essentials they won’t board a plane without.
If you’ve ever stumbled across Anine Bing’s Instagram account then we guarantee it took you on a deep dive down the feed, saving inspirational images along the way. Her style is inimitable and achievable all at once, equal parts aspirational and relatable. And you’re not alone in your obsession—721,000 people follow her every style move on the platform clicking to buy and mimic her effortless looks.
Besides her thriving online site (which includes her cool kids line) Bing has opened multiple stores across the world from London to Paris. She’s a total boss—it’s why she made it onto our C&C 100 list this year. But that also means she travels extensively to cut the ribbon on new boutique openings and check on the status of existing ones. So, of course, we were intrigued to know what her carry-on essentials are.
Read on to find out Bing’s 10 travel essentials for the plane, and shop them for your next trip.
Travel Essential: Anine Bing Charlie Boots
Price: $699
Why I Love It: “I take these boots with me on every trip. I love wearing them to the airport because they are easy to slip in and out of, plus they go with everything.”
Travel Essential: Think Thin Protein & Superfruit Bar, Pack of 9
Price: $18
Why I Love It: “I am a sugar addict, lately I’ve been trying to replace my candy snacking with healthier options but I always have a snack packed with me for long flights.”
Travel Essential: Anine Bing Croco Tote
Price: $599
Why I Love It: “This is the perfect carry-all to pack every essential in and even fits all the stuff for my kids when we travel as a family.”
Travel Essential: Anine Bing Indio Sunglasses
Price: $179
Why I Love It: “These are the perfect accessory to add a touch of glamour to any look, especially when I’m on vacation and wearing minimal makeup.”
Travel Essential: Anine Bing Kim Military Jacket
Price: $249
Why I Love It: “Weather is so unpredictable, I love packing pieces that can easily take a look from day to night and something that adds a little edge. This jacket is my current obsession.”
Travel Essential: Joanna Vargas Glow-to-Go Mask Set
Price: $75
Why I Love It: “I never go anywhere without a sheet mask. I’ll do them right on the plane or after I get to my destination. It’s the perfect way to keep my skin hydrated and refreshed.”
Travel Essential: VitaJuwel Gem Water Bottle
Price: $78
Why I Love It: “I take my reusable water bottle everywhere. I’ve learned that staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to beat jet lag.”
Travel Essential: Gartner Studios Black Leather Journal
Price: $14
Why I Love It: “I am always inspired by things I see when traveling and like to keep notes of what I love to take back to the design studio.”
Travel Essential: Savage Rose Perfume Oil
Price: $69
Why I Love It: “This scent keeps me feeling refreshed and calm. I throw it in my bag and apply touch-ups throughout the day.”
Travel Essential: blowpro Faux Dry Shampoo with Pure Protein Blend
Price: $19
Why I Love It: “For vacation days where I don’t want to spend time getting ready, this powder is a lifesaver. It keeps my hair looking refreshed even when I don’t want to wash it.”
Up Next: Pack This, Not That—The Travel Items a Seasoned Jetsetter Won't Board a Plane Without.
I Want Your Job: Dyson's Marketing Director on the Power of Interning to Launch Your Career
You’ll want to write this down.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Marketing. It’s a word we’ve all become familiar with but what does the job entail exactly? For many of us, the concept can seem ambiguous, but in short, marketing is really all about storytelling. Just ask category director of personal care at Dyson, Caitlin Murtha. Her career trajectory from intern to dream job is inspiring and proves that hard work, commitment, and grit are traits you can always count on to get there. After speaking with her for this story, we can say with honestly, I want your job.
Ahead, Murtha shares the importance of internships, how she scored the gig at Dyson, what their marketing secret sauce is, and advice for other young professionals who want her job too. Grab your notepad because you’ll want to write these down.
Describe your career journey—how did you get your foot in the door and land where you are today?
I received my college degree in marketing and always knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. I did several internships while in college, which were all very different such as working at Chanel (RTW), Women’s Wear Daily, and Estee Lauder (BeautyBank). I knew the importance of interning, getting that experience prior to graduating, but equally using those experiences to help guide me and give me a better understanding as to what marketing was.
My first job was in retail working at Macy’s doing their events. After a couple of years, I moved to New York City to work at Bath & Body Works on their Public Relations team. While I loved the pace of that job, I knew I wanted to do more marketing, particularly around beauty. An internship opportunity came up at Coty working on the new Beyoncé Heat fragrance. While it was a huge risk going from being fully employed to doing another internship, I felt it was the right thing to do for my career and ultimately help reach my goals.
I worked at Coty for a few years, moving from the U.S. brand management team to the Calvin Klein global marketing team. I progressed in my career while at Coty, helping to launch the CK One Color line and then eventually moving over to the fragrance side of the business. A move to Chicago afforded me the opportunity to work for a smaller beauty company for a couple years, which eventually led me to Dyson. Ironically, I had been following Dyson for a couple years as I was intrigued by the company as much as I was about their products and technology.
I didn’t want to pigeon hole myself too much by continuing to work in beauty and felt it was important to gain more experience outside of the industry. So I took a leap of faith by accepting a job at Dyson looking after the Environmental Control (purifiers, fans, heaters) products, but ironically was soon tapped to head up the personal-care category. It was a nice way of telling me that I belonged in beauty.
Dyson is such a respected name in the personal-care category, with high-tech beauty tools loved by many. When a new technology is released, what’s the process you and your team follow to market it effectively?
The beauty about working at an organization such as Dyson is that the technology and products really speak for themselves. Every product launch is unique in its own right and may be approached differently depending on the overall objective of the launch and the audience we are trying to reach. However, there are a few critical pieces we try to follow:
1) Having the right technology and offering for the consumer that truly solves a problem.
2) Continuous testing and research pre- and post-launch.
3) Work hand-in-hand with our cross-functional team members—it takes a village!
We work well in advance of a launch to really understand the technology, the problems it solves, why it’s different (and better) and identifying what the white space opportunity is.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Social media has changed marketing so much these last few years. Can you share a time you’ve pivoted your strategy to adapt to a new feature, algorithm, etc.?
We always try to stay abreast of the newest technology within social platforms as it is a great way to engage with shoppers and our owners. As their moods and interest evolve with the technology, we need to be ready with the right message to the right person at the right time and being on top of trends and technology allows us to do that.
What advice would you give to young professionals trying to break into the marketing industry?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from it and keep moving. And don’t be afraid to work hard and ask questions especially early on in your career. I learned so much about marketing in my first few years of my professional career (and still am) by asking questions, getting my hands dirty to really understand the foundation of a business, how it works, etc.
What’s a marketing initiative you’ve worked on recently that you’re particularly proud of?
We recently launched a campaign refresh of our SupersonicTMhair dryer, which was the first technology in our personal care category. It’s a big moment for Dyson because the campaign features a variety of models, influencers and real women with various hair types and needs that are relatable. This most recent launch stemmed from James Dyson’s desire to enable the Dyson SupersonicTMhair dryer to style better, while continuing to protect hair from extreme heat damage—irrespective to whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or coily. It’s been exciting to see this come to life.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Where do you go to get inspiration?
Inspiration comes from a variety of places and while that differs for everyone, based on the types of things I am interested in, I always look outside the industry I play in. Look at the world around you and what impacts you. That can come from magazines, social media, music, books, friends, and family.
Can you share one woman who paved the way for you to be where you are today?
My mother is the one woman that has paved the way for me to be where I am today. She had a successful 40+ year career in the beauty industry and has taught me so much both personally and professionally having raised two children as a single mother. I can confidentially say I would not be where I am today without her.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Focus on empathy and perspective as it allows you to see the big picture and understand decisions from all perspectives.
Up Next: 17 Small Home Office Mistakes to Avoid, According to 7 Interior Designers.
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We Take Self-Care Seriously—How the C&C Team Relax and Unwind After a Long Day
This story is in paid partnership with Diageo.
Progress over perfection. Ever heard of it? At Create & Cultivate, it’s one of the mottos we live by. In fact, we take it so seriously, that we even have it painted on the office kitchen wall. Whether it’s personal or professional, big or small, we believe the lessons lie in the journey, not the destination. While we love dreaming big and thinking of the full picture, we make sure to celebrate the little milestones along the way too because true success is the sum of all your small efforts, right?
As opportunities, responsibilities, expectations, and commitments stack up, so do our to-do lists. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love the hustle. Of course, we do. Just make the time to pause at each step so you don’t stretch yourself too thin. And there’s a myriad of ways you can do that. Our favorite? Celebrating the wins along the way by taking time for self-care such as applying a clay face mask, taking a bath, reading a book, or our personal favorite, cracking open a Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer.
Because taking time out to relax and unwind—and getting in those eight hours of sleep a night—should be just as important as those to-do’s like creating a P&L or sending that client email. So, to help you get there, we tapped the shoulders of our very own hustlers, the team C&C, to ask how they unwind after a jam-packed day. C&C team pro tip: swap your glass of red for a low-cal alternative like our favorite Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer for a guilt-free nightcap. For more pro tips and tricks, follow along to see how our team does self-care and be sure to scroll down to the end to make our exclusive drink recipes and say cheers to yourself for getting through another day!
Danielle Boyce, Graphic Design Intern
“I work two part-time jobs and have two side hustles so I never feel like I have an ‘end of the day.’ I have made boundaries like I can't work or use my laptop after I shower and do my skincare routine. I try and unplug at least half an hour before I go to sleep. But, I usually listen to a podcast or call my friends living in San Francisco for the summer. I like recapping my day with my favorite people, it always puts me in a good mood for the morning.”
Alyssa Sage, Marketing Manager
“How do I unwind? With a bubble bath and my fave book, wine, and candles.”
Nicole Povey, Coordinator
“After a long day, I love to wind down with a glass of Pinot Grigio and some bad reality T.V. If I’m not feeling the electronics, painting is my go-to for winding down and resetting.”
Dana Saperstein, Senior Event Producer
“I unwind after a long day by cooking. Cooking allows me guidelines that I can follow so I don't have to think too much. Chopping is like my meditation. I can zone out. It also provides a little bit of excitement because you never know how it's going to turn out!”
Dre Reyes , Senior Marketing Associate
"I like to unwind by cleansing my face, putting on a face mask and enjoying a glass of wine while I lounge on the couch in my comfy robe. To me, this is the ultimate form of self-care.”
Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director
“For me, unwinding is all about a long, hot, salt bath. There’s nothing quite like it for soothing aching bones, muscles, and to allow some time for your brain to digest the day, detach from the to-do list, and quietly meditate without screens or distractions. I just read that 1kg of pink Himalayan salt (has to be food grade) in a bath is a powerful detoxifier because it extracts the toxins out of your skin and tissues. It’s akin to soaking in an ocean of energy. The process is called dermal absorption because your skin soaks up the minerals from the water including calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, zinc and more. So, I’m hitting up my Amazon Prime account and having a few bags of salt delivered stat.”
Kylie Tansey, VP Sales
“My fiancé and I are learning to cook together. Cooking always seemed like a chore to us. Now that we have become a little more comfortable in the kitchen, it has become a way that we relax and catch up with each other after a long day. Cheesy as it sounds, I find that having something as simple as time together to look forward to at the end of the day makes even the hardest of days feel more joyful.”
Spice up your nightly self-care ritual with one of our favorite Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer recipes below!
Spiked Piña Colada
Ingredients:
1 can of Piña Colada Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer
1 oz. coconut cream
6 oz. fresh pineapple juice
1 cup of crushed ice
Directions: Combine all ingredients then blend until smooth. Add a fun toothpick umbrella and a slice of pineapple for optimal vacation vibes.
Raspberry Frozé
Ingredients:
1 can of Raspberry Rosé Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer
1 oz. lemon juice
3½ ounces strawberry syrup
1 cup of crushed ice
Directions: Combine all ingredients then blend until smooth. Place blender container in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes for the best consistency.
A Day in the Life: Glitter Guide's Taylor Sterling Shares Her #1 Ritual for Success
It’s not as glamorous as you might think.
Ever wondered what people do at work? If you’re a voyeur like us, then you’ll love our series A Day in the Life where we get a real behind-the-scenes glimpse into the professional lives of CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs we admire. From their morning routine to the rituals that set them up for success and questions such as “do you ever reach inbox zero?” because we all want to know how to streamline our lives.
Photo: Emily Scott
In a media-saturated world, it can be hard to decipher the realness from the noise but there’s one site we always have bookmarked: Glitter Guide. From fashion to home décor, beauty and wellness, founder Taylor Sterling has always served up engaging, educational, and topical content we love—like this story about about the myth of “age-appropriate” clothing—and that’s something she, along with her digital lead, Samantha Welker has decided to shift her focus towards with the new site redesign.
Sterling and Welker both made a conscious shift to focus on the brand’s core values rather than what "performs" the best. “Our new motto is ‘we want hearts, not eyeballs’ and we hope our audience will connect with our new creativity-focused content,” Welker tells me. We can’t wait to see more. We are always so inspired by Sterling and the content she creates so we wanted to get a sneak peek into a day in her life.
Ahead, Sterling gives us a snapshot of her day, what it really takes to be a founder, and key advice to propel your career.
What does an average day in your life look like?
Most days aren’t all that glamourous. I wake up at 6 a.m. with the kids and get them ready for school and out the door. Then until about 3:30 I’m usually sitting at my desk working on assignments and having meetings. The rest of my day is dedicated to getting my kids from school, spending time with them and getting them ready for bed.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
Usually it’s 6 a.m. First it’s a quick snuggle with the kids (who wake me up) and then I immediately get some coffee.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
Naturally I’m a night owl. Growing up I always felt the most creative and productive at night. However my husband is the opposite and he’s trained me to get to bed earlier. Also, since having kids it’s been crucial for me to change my ways. Now I’m most productive around 9 a.m.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
This past year I’ve really slowed everything down and made more time for self-care. That means that in the morning after the chaos of getting the kids to school I come back home (where I work) and I spend about 30 minutes doing a speed clean of the house. I’ve found I work better when it’s tidy and I don’t feel anxious about having to clean it later. I usually listen to a podcast while I clean or some relaxing music. Then I try to fit in a quick workout. Usually something at home or a run. I usually start work around 9:45 a.m. after I have made time for these things that help me feel centered.
Photo: Emily Scott
Being a founder means you are wearing so many hats and across so many facets of the business. How do you manage your time effectively?
This used to be a huge struggle for me. I felt like I was doing everything and involved in everything. I started to burn out. We didn’t have good organizational systems. Once those were put into place and the entire team felt confident in their roles and obligations it freed us up and we weren’t juggling as much.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
This is going to sound so bad, but I’ve become really lazy with my emails. I used to be addicted. I would always respond to everything I could. Now that my team isn’t on my emails much I can be better about batching. Some days I don’t even check it. You have to get comfortable with missing something. It’s really felt like a weight has lifted. I know that’s not for everyone, but it’s been a relief.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
Staying healthy and having good work habits is a huge priority. I want my team to know it’s something I value and I hope they will do the same. My team uses Asana and Slack daily and they have been game changers for us. I know that if I have a day where I can’t work as much, as long as I get my daily tasks done then it’s going to be okay. I carve out time for me and also my family. Work is something I’m passionate about, but at the end of the day it’s still work. My life is way more important.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
Ideally, I like to be asleep by 10 p.m. to set myself up for success.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
I love days where I have taken care of my needs, had a productive work day and my family is happy. I always feel like I’m on top of the world when that happens. However, usually something in that mix gets thrown off.
When did you know you wanted to start your own company? What was your journey like?
I never really went into it thinking, I want to start a business. I just knew what I wanted to create and it happened to turn into a business. I think that’s the case for a lot of creative entrepreneurs. It’s almost better that I was naive and that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had to learn by doing. I’ve made so many mistakes over the past ten years. As painful as that is, it’s crucial. It’s how I’ve grown. I’m thankful for it.
Photo: Emily Scott
What advice do you have for aspiring female founders?
Always trust your gut. I’ve made the mistake of ignoring it before, but it never leads you astray.
What are some of the biggest lessons you learned along the way?
I think one big lesson for me is that you are going to have ups and downs. It’s natural. It’s how you handle those downs that are really going to define you. Don’t let them distract you. Stay focused but flexible and you can come back up again.
How do you combat the loneliness often felt by CEOs at the top?
Thankfully my team is so tiny that I don’t ever feel this way. I feel more lonely from us being a totally remote team. Using things like Slack, Google Hangout and having face-to-face meetings when we can really help.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Keep your blinders up.” This isn’t really the best advice, but it’s one I think of often. It’s a reminder that when you get distracted by what others are doing it can be a real downer. Stay positive and focus on what you love and things will often fall into place.
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
I’m not sure I’ve ever had bad advice. It’s usually more that people sometimes don’t get my industry or my situations and give advice based-off their own experiences. You have to keep that in mind when asking people.
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited for in 2019?
Glitter Guide is about to relaunch our entire website. It’s getting a new look and will be much more user-friendly. With that we’re also changing a lot of our content. We want to connect to people’s hearts and tell stories that have meaning to us and those who we’re working with. We also want to explore creativity and how we can cultivate creative energy. I’m so excited for this new chapter.
Up Next: A Day in the Life: Inside the Cool and Colorful Life of Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow
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C&C Classifieds: Tarte Cosmetics, Pandora, Rent the Runway & More
🔥 marketing and sales jobs in LA, NYC, Fort Collins & more
You don’t want to miss these!
New Belgium Brewing Co. - Fort Collins, CO
The Architect's Newspaper - New York, NY
Coin - Beverly Hills, CA
Social Media and Editorial Intern
Azione PR - Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY
Account Manager, Digital/Influencer (LOS ANGELES)
Account Manager, Beauty/Lifestyle (LA OR NY)
Blended Strategy Group - Los Angeles, CA
Create & Cultivate - Los Angeles, CA
Tarte Cosmetics - Los Angeles, CA
Rent the Runway - Los Angeles, CA
United Way - Fort Collins, CO
Colorado State University - Fort Collins, CO
Assistant Creative Coordinator
Pandora - Denver, CO
WSP - Denver, CO
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Download Alert: This Genius App Will Change the Way You Buy a Car (It's So Easy)
Say hello to Fair.
This post is in partnership with Fair.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Making big decisions isn’t easy. Especially the ones that involve long term commitments—like picking a new home, selecting a new job, and buying a new car. These decisions hold a lot of weight because of their lengthy processes and the anticipation of commitment. Even if you’re not a “commitment-phobe”, there’s always a lot to consider before spending a significant amount of your hard-earned money.
If only the "big” decision-making processes were made easier, then the stress tied to them would lessen, and the barriers to entry would also be lowered—that’s the ideal combination, right? Well, in our quest to simplify, we came across a solution for one big decision we all dread: buying a car. Skip the fluorescently-lit car dealerships with their burnt coffee and long wait times—the answer is in the palm of your hand—say hello to Fair.
Fair is the new subscription service that is changing the way we buy cars. This easy-to-use app allows you to find the used car you’ve always dreamed of in one convenient app. You can buy a car without even having to leave the comfort of your couch and it takes the commitment out of the car-buying process (you can kiss car loans and leases good-bye!).
Fair’s version of car buying really lives up to its name. Now you’ll never be stuck with a car past its expiration date. Bottom line: you can get a car when you want, for as long as you want, and turn it back in at any time—no strings attached. Sounds too good to be true, we know.
But just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we’re going to remind you that a Fair subscription includes a limited warranty, roadside assistance, and routine maintenance too. Is this deal not sweet enough for you? How about this: when you get a car to drive for Uber, you pay even less. Crazy right? Well, let’s take you through the app’s interface to show you how good life can be as a Fair user.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Download the app and pick your use preference
Step 2: Create your account and scan your driver’s license
Additional info like your social security number and proof of address may be necessary.
Step 3: Start browsing through cars
You can search through anything from price to brand and ❤️ your favorites along the way.
Step 4: Find the car of your dreams!
Once you’ve found the one, you can pick it up or even have it delivered to you!
Step 5: Drive worry-free and turn your car in whenever you’re done!
Car buying has literally never been so easy. Though it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. Fair is a hot ticket item because of its convince as well as its trustworthiness. Try it yourself and see what all the fuss is about—you’ll thank us later.
From Scratch: How a Husband and Wife Team Ditched Their High Profile Careers to Start a Bespoke Olive Oil Line in the Desert
“Self-imposed boundaries are important.”
We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kickstart the process (and ease some of those first-time founder nerves) we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their story in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life. We’re getting down to the nitty gritty from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves, we’re not holding back. If you want to know how to start a business, you’ve come to the right place.
Photo: Jay Carroll / Wonder Valley
It’s not every day you hear about a career pivot like this one but when you do, it’s definitely an inspiring read. It makes us all ponder the possibility of a switch in gears and whether we’d enjoy it more or regret our decision. The good news is, all of the people we interview who’ve embarked on a second life are incredibly passionate and don’t have any anguish about their leap of faith. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. They couldn’t be happier.
Case in point, husband and wife team, Alison and Jay Carroll, founders of the super chic and delicious Wonder Valley olive oil. Jay is an artist and the former creative director at Levi’s while Alison was in advertising and PR previously to working in California olive oil industry. They fell in love with the desert town of Wonder Valley, about 160 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and it’s where the idea for their heavenly small-batch olive oil line was hatched. In just a few short years, the line has become incredibly popular (they can’t keep up with demand) and they just launched face oil, body oil, and an oil cleanser.
Read on to hear more about their inspiring story and don’t give up that dream of turning your side hustle into your career.
Photo: Jay Carroll / Wonder Valley
Did you write a business plan?
My husband, Jay, and I started Wonder Valley five years ago without a real plan. We spent the first few years putting passion first into the brand, and are just now starting to put together a real strategy toward growing the business.
How did you come up with the name? What was the process like?
We started Wonder Valley with just the olive oil without the idea of doing much else to start. We had a lot of oil-centric brand names, but decided against it, which in hindsight I’m glad we weren’t too myopic—it gave us room to grow. Wonder Valley is a real place, about 30 miles east from where our home and shop are in the high desert of Joshua Tree, California. It is a far out town on the edge of a national park, marine base, salt flats and the Mojave desert—a limitless stretch of sand and imagination. The place is a muse but we’re not a literal representation of it. We wanted to create an imaginary world around our brand, not just singular products; so having it named as a physical place gives that sense of arrival.
What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business?
We set it up as an LLC which I did through a small business clinic at a local law school. I recommend this as it saved money and I learned a lot in the process while also being able to work with rad undergrad law students. They also helped with a sellers permit. From there we built a site, set up social media, got a bank account and hit the ground running.
What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?
We did basic trademark, domain, and social media account searches to make sure we weren’t stepping on any toes. I didn’t spend too much time doing homework on what e-commerce platform was best or SEO or anything. From our perspective we had our first olive oil harvest that November and wanted to get it out in the world as quick as possible (since it is a perishable product). We launched a few weeks later in January.
I did take the time to talk to other small business owners and get tips on things like packaging resources, how to do your own fulfillment and eventually insurance policies. We’re so lucky to live in a time that setting up a small business has never been so easy or inexpensive.
“You cant (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself. Know the difference between working hard and working smart.”
How did you find the vendor that you use? Did you have any bad experiences? What did you learn?
We got into this business because of my background as the marketing director for the California Olive Oil Council; I oversaw the only professional taste panel in North America whose main function was to annually certify the 400 + producers in California as extra virgin grade or not, as well as industry advocacy and education. It was a wonderful experience and exposed me to the whole process of California olive oil; growing, milling, bottling facilities, packaging vendors, etc. I left that role with a rolodex of all the contacts I needed to get started and the advice of true experts in this field. Our miller is someone I met during that time and who really helped make this a reality.
“Ultimately, I want to hire people who are better than me so we can take this to the next level. ”
Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? Why/Why not?
We’re 100% self funded and we’ve used profits to double the production each year for the past five years. It wasn’t so much that I recommend this path or to conversely seek funding, but it’s just what we did. It certainly gave us freedom to do things the way we wanted to do them and to create out of passion not just focusing on the bottom line. As we’re hitting the fifth year and really starting to expand (we have a physical brick and mortar shop, we’re using a fulfillment center, our team is growing and our product line is expanding), I’m grateful that we’ve been such boot strappers.
It’s allowed me to actually do every role myself; shipping orders for five years, running our sales, bookkeeping, social media, wholesale management—you name it. So I know what our strengths are and where our opportunities lie to grow, and where best to delegate. We’ve been able to grow this business holistically because we’ve had our finger on the pulse the whole time.
How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like? Did you have hiring experience?
The core team is myself, my husband, and two part-time employees. We have dedicated freelance help for bookkeeping, marketing and design work, and now a fulfillment center. It’s challenging when you’re small and adding on a few key people—what I don’t want is for any one to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do, or at worst, feel disempowered on how to help. I am crystal clear on what the role entails and what the pay is. I am clear on what our goals are for the upcoming calendar year and how I think they can contribute to that growth.
I also don’t expect someone signing on to solely aspire to being a shop girl or studio assistant forever, so I take the time to find out what their personal goals are, what their skillsets and interests are and give them room to take the reins a bit. Ultimately I want to hire people who are better than me so we can take this to the next level.
We’ve also made our hires by word-of-mouth or broadcasting on an Instagram post, which we were so pleased with the responses even in a small town. It helps to pool from people who are already excited about what we’re creating and want to be a part of it.
Photo: Jay Carroll / Wonder Valley
Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up?
That was my achilles heel for a while. I couldn’t find the right accountant and was being upsold on services I didn’t need. I have a great accountant now (who I found through another Instagram post asking for recommendations), who specializes in working with small businesses. I do the monthly bookkeeping and she does the quarterly and year-end filings but can take on more as we grow.
We use quickbooks, which I do like for its functionality for invoicing, P&L reporting, payroll and quarterly forms all in one. I also just have an old-school weekly sales report that I do myself every Monday since we started the company; I quantify our sales by channel and products, evaluate our traffic and analytics. This allows me to make informed decisions and to have strategy on whether it makes sense to spend more money to pursue trade shows, and events, what product categories to expand, or what retail markets to go after. What’s been invaluable is just dedicating an hour each week to really look at our numbers, and make really empowering decision-making.
What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing a business?
You cant (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself. Know the difference between working hard and working smart.
How did you get retailers to start stocking your product? Were you told no? How did you handle that rejection? What advice can you share?
While working at the olive oil council, I saw an opportunity; I wanted to bring California olive oil to a whole new audience. So while we work with some excellent specialty grocers, we’ve carved out space where olive oil has never been before— in home good shops, museum stores, juice bars and Beauty Counter. We didn’t have big expectations at first and literally produced as much olive oil as we could store in our home office that first year—which sold out in about a month.
We’ve continually had a waitlist for wholesale accounts that are doubling production each year, and we’ve never been able to meet it. So that’s a good problem to have but still a challenge in its own. And sure, in that process, there’s been plenty of rejection. As with anything in life, don’t take it personally. Let it put fire under your seat to work harder on your elevator pitch. For some of our bigger accounts, I’ve physically knocked on doors with samples to close.
Do you have a business coach or mentor? How has this person helped? Would you recommend one?
I don’t have any one like this for me. I have a tremendous network of other small business owners many who I’ve met through participating in a bi-annual tradeshow, the Echo Park Craft Fair. They have all been great sounding boards to bounce ideas off of, ask advice on new retail markets, tradeshows, finding a good accountant or fulfillment center or all these common denominators as business owners.
How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?
I went to college for marketing and worked in advertising and PR for years before working in the olive oil industry. My husband was also the creative director for Levi Strauss before starting Wonder Valley with me, so we had a leg up in terms of branding and marketing. Above all, we see the value in content, storytelling, and imagery so that’s a main focus. Things like SEO, media buys, social media algorithms make my eyes cross so that’s something we outsource since it is vital to promoting our company. A lot of our growth has been spending the time on social media content, leveraging good press, a strong stock list of retailers to help tell our story, and having a physical storefront all has helped spread the word.
At the end of the day, it’s our product that is the backbone of the company, to make something worth talking about and taking a photo of. A lot of consideration and immeasurable time went into designing that first bottle, getting the blend of oil and the harvest timing just right as well as my unshakable belief that good olive oil is a key ingredient to the Good Life; that it is a true superfood and fountain of youth ingredient.
What is one thing you didn’t do in the setup process, that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do asap?
I don’t know if there was anything that dire that we missed in the beginning. I wish I found this accountant sooner, I wish I spent more time evaluating e-commerce options sooner, but it just was what it was. Not to say we had it all figured out off the bat, hardly. I just think there’s value in learning as you go and giving yourself room to make mistakes.
Photo: Jay Carroll / Wonder Valley
For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have?
Owning a business is the most rewarding, creative, self-confidence boosting, non-stop, draining thing ever. I think there’s this notion that if I can just get it to this next level, or pay myself this salary, or hire a few more people it’ll be on autopilot and I can get a break. I’m only five years in but I haven’t found that to be the case. There’s an endless list of things to do and hardly enough people to do them, and that can translate to guilt or pressure and the business having a vampiric affect on your life.
Self-imposed boundaries are important, like I’m trying to tuck my phone away in the other room at the end of the day so my days aren’t bookended with emails and stress and deadlines when I wake up and go to sleep. I’m claiming those for my time to replenish the well, so to speak. I read morning and night and cook all our meals, I go outside and take a bath or meditate, walk the dog, catch up with my husband. These are the true job perks. Likewise, if you work with a spouse or friend or family member, it has its own challenges and the business can really steamroll the relationship if you’re not careful. Jay and I have made really formal job descriptions within the business so we’re not micromanaging each other, but instead working separately but in tandem. It’s a constant practice, but when I’m mentally off the clock, there is no more work talk. Happiness is the goal, after all.
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C&C Classifieds: Patagonia, Macy’s, The Shelf & more
Job hunting in LA or SF? New fopps at Patagonia, Macy’s, The Shelf & more.
These are 🔥, apply fast.
The Shelf - Remote
Blended Strategy Group - Los Angeles, CA
FabFitFun - Los Angeles, CA
Tatcha - San Francisco, CA
Stitch Fix - San Francisco, CA
Growth & Media Marketing Associate
Riley Rose - Los Angeles, CA
Patagonia - Sausalito, CA
Macy’s - San Francisco, CA
Goop - Los Angeles, CA
Create & Cultivate - Los Angeles, CA
Burberry - San Francisco, CA
Grammarly - San Francisco, CA
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Money Matters: New Eyewear Startup Shares the Top 3 Biggest Monthly Expenses
And why the founder doesn’t pay herself.
You asked for more content around business finances, so we’re delivering. Welcome to Money Matters where we give you an inside look at the pocketbooks of CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this series, you’ll learn what successful women in business spend on offices spaces and employee salaries, how they knew it was time to hire someone to manage their finances, and their best advice for talking about money.
Photo: Courtesy of Zak.
I’ve had 20/20 vision my entire life and despite regular visits to the doctor or dentist to take care of myself, eye care has definitely been pushed to the bottom of my to-do list. In fact, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never had my eyes checked and with my 40th approaching next year, I suddenly started to notice a shift in my sight. It slowly creeped up on me and for a long time I thought my eyes were just tired and dehydrated from staring at a screen all day (and they probably were). But after speaking with the founder of L.A.-based eye health brand, Zak., Kyly Rabin I soon realized that it could be more, and that, unfortunately, I’m not alone in neglecting my eye health.
It’s one of the reasons she launched Zak and it’s bricks and mortar store on the popular Fairfax street in West Hollywood (next to Jon & Vinny's, across from Canter's Deli, LA's most walkable block) along with her father, renowned optometrist Dr. Myles Zakheim. Despite nine out of 10 people agreeing that eye health is important, only half of them actually see a specialist or do anything about it and just “1% of people know that signs of serious conditions like thyroid disease, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders and certain types of cancer can be detected through annual eye exams.”
So, Rabin and her father set about creating a new way of seeing *pun intended* the world of eye care. Their 360 approach covers the spectrum of eye health including exams with an on-site optometrist, and exclusive frames with same-day fabrication in their on-site lab, and even blue light lenses for screen time. Rabin hopes to disrupt the eyewear industry making eye health as routine as dental, body, and skin.
My personal experience at Zak was extremely positive. Every step of the examination process was explained to me so I felt comfortable along the way and in control of the care I was receiving. Turns out, I did need a mild prescription and my eyes were also dehydrated so the optometrist recommended a few drops I can use before bed and in the morning as well as some eye exercises to help with the computer glare and strain. I stepped out of the exam room and ordered my pair of Zak frames which will be made in store and shipped out to me (they arrive today!)—super simple and they only cost $125 with prescription too.
Naturally, I was intrigued to learn more about how Rabin launched their startup especially since this model hasn’t been been done before and there was no roadmap. Ahead, Rabin shares her financial journey, what she’s paying herself, her team, and their top three biggest expenses each month.
Where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy?
Product, creative and team are all mission critical. Each area fuels the other. If I had to choose one area for Zak. it would be product—core product, and the goods or services you’re providing, is the backbone of your business and deserves the appropriate resources (both time and financial). You have to get that core product right first and everything else can follow.
What was your first big expense as a business owner?
Our largest initial expense was the design and build out of our brick and mortar space on Fairfax, Los Angeles. An elevated eye care experience is an essential part of our model and it was extremely important to showcase our aesthetic in a physical space that challenges the typically antiquated doctors office in both form and function. As one may expect, design, build, and investing in state-of-the art medical equipment are expensive, but in our case, necessary to nourish our brand and mission.
The second biggest expense was developing our in-house eyewear collection. Zak frames are designed to change the way you shop for glasses. We’ve streamlined the shopping experience so selection is finally easy to navigate while providing styles that function like your favorite white t-shirt/everyday uniform. Our styles are timeless, to the point, unfussy, and at an accessible price point, but not cheaply made. Finding the right partners and vendors to bring our high quality product to life took time (and money).
“We aren’t saving anything. Everything that comes in immediately fuels another area of the business in order to optimize growth.”
How did you decide what to pay yourself?
We are still a very new and currently self-funded business. Before taking the leap into all things Zak., I assessed my savings as I knew a salary wouldn’t be possible for at least the first two years without external investment. I’m not paying myself to ensure that every dime is funneled back into the business, which is necessary at this crucial stage of infancy.
How did you decide what to pay employees?
Our full-time team is made up of optometrists and opticians who power the brick and mortar space. We determined wages based on market value and operational excellence. We believe that investing in our team means investing in our growth. I’m interested in working with people who are smarter and more talented than I am and sometimes that means paying more than I’m comfortable with as I’m betting on the productivity and efficiency that the right team provides, which inevitably drives results.
What are your top three largest expenses every month?
Rent, payroll, and the bank loan.
How much do you spend on office space?
Our Fairfax location is our brick and mortar retail space, medical facility and office. It’s the hub of all things Zak and it comes with a hefty price tag—rent is 14% of our monthly gross.
How much do you spend on employee salaries?
We’re currently a very small team made up of full-time and part-time salaried and hourly employees. Our payroll is approximately 25% of our current monthly revenue.
How much are you saving? When did you start being able to save some of your income?
We aren’t saving anything. Everything that comes in immediately fuels another area of the business in order to optimize growth. Our projections anticipate a break even at the two year mark.
What apps or software are you using for finances?
We use a comprehensive all-in-one software that combines our POS with a fully integrated doctor system (EHR). All patient, retail and sales information live in the same place, which is extremely helpful for financial reporting, which we typically run ourselves.
Do you wish you’d done anything differently in your financial journey as a business owner?
All delays in the launch process were costly. In hindsight, more efficient decision-making and a clear establishment of roles would have expedited our opening. Delays in construction, delivery of product, and staff training resulted in increased expense.
Why should women talk about money?
Awareness. The more we know and share with each other about how we’re spending and what we’re making will allow for an equal playing field.
“Identify the areas to be scrappy versus when it’s worth spending.”
Do you have a financial mentor?
My dad. We are co-founders and both bring different skillsets to the business. He still owns/operates a large multi-office optometric practice in L.A. that he opened over 35 years ago with a bank loan. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to finances and specifically financial planning within the optical industry.
What is your best piece of financial/money advice for new entrepreneurs?
Identify the areas to be scrappy versus when it’s worth spending. It’s fundamental to be resourceful and do things on your own that can eventually be outsourced but it’s extremely important to have an understanding of when a spend is essential to your brand.
Up Next: "For 3 Years I Didn’t Pay Myself"—The Pai Skincare Founder Gets Real About Money in Business.
17 Small Home Office Mistakes to Avoid, According to 7 Interior Designers
Emily Henderson, Bobby Berk, and more help us make every square foot count.
Even if you don’t have your own business, the rise of flexible hours has more of us working from home. According to a new study by Bentley University, 77% of Millennials say that flexible work hours would make the workplace more productive for people their age. Either way, your work space enhances your creativity, productivity, and influences what you produce so it’s important to create one that suits you both personally and professionally.
Of course, since more people are renting now than ever before, we know that most people don’t have a lot of square footage to work with but size limitations shouldn’t restrict your creativity. So, we turned to some of our favorite interior designers to share the best small home office ideas along with the common mistakes people make and the quick fix to turn it around. Read on to turn your spare corner or nook into a cool small home office—here’s some chic office décor under-$100 to get your started.
Photo: Sara Tramp for Emily Henderson; Tessa Neustadt for Emily Henderson.
Emily Henderson, Interior Designer, TV Personality, and Founder, Emily Henderson
The Mistake: Not being creative with storage.
The Quick Fix: You don’t need to be tied to the standard desk and file cabinet combo. Instead, you could get a pretty credenza for all of your storage needs and then just have your pretty daily essentials on your desk.
The Mistake: Using boring work desks.
The Quick Fix: Don’t be afraid to use a regular dining table instead. This way your office will feel more open and you can place the desk anywhere in the room instead of dealing with hiding the “ugly side.”
Bobby Berk, TV Personality, Interior Designer, Founder, Bobby Berk.com
The Mistake: Don't forget to decorate.
The Quick Fix: Sometimes home offices end up being just that, an office but it doesn't mean that it shouldn't still feel inviting, warm, and interesting like the rest of your house. I love styling bookshelves with items that you typically wouldn't find like leaning art or a collection of decorative items amongst the books to break it up. I also always love to bring a live element into the space like a plant or tree to keep the air fresh and give it a bit of life.
The Mistake: The wrong office chair.
The Quick Fix: Your office chair doesn't have to look like an office chair. There are so many chairs out there that can double as an office chair that are aesthetically more interesting and might even be more comfortable and functional. Take a look at the padded dining chairs before you shop for office chairs next time.
The Mistake: Too much on the desk.
The Quick Fix: A messy desk means a messy mind. Sometimes all the clutter on your desk can be distracting so clear it off and keep out just the items that you use every single day. Everything else can go into a file cabinet or closed storage under the desk.
Photo: Claire Esparros for Tali Roth Design
Tali Roth, Interior Designer, Founder, Tali Roth Design
The Mistake: Not having enough closed storage.
The Quick Fix: Ensure your desk has drawers or at least a rolling one.
The Mistake: Having a desk in your bedroom.
The Quick Fix: It’s not good for the mind to see your work items in your sleeping space. Move your desk to a public space if you can or to another space in the home with low foot traffic.
Shannon Wollack and Brittany Zwickl, Studio Life.Style
Mistake: Putting too many pieces of furniture in a small space.
Tip to fix: “Try to narrow down your décor to just include items that serve a purpose. Get rid of anything that isn’t functional or inspirational.”
Mistake: Your space is cluttered.
Tip to fix: “Organization. Use visually appropriate bins or baskets to store your office necessities. They’re the perfect way to hide the less visually appealing aspects of your home while still keeping them in reach.”
Photo: Courtesy Studio. Lifestyle
Studio Gild
The Mistake: “You have basic desk accessories.”
The Quick Fix: “Select aesthetically pleasing office supplies to help make your work day feel a little more elevated and chic. For everyday necessities from paper clips and scissors, forgo big box office supply companies, in favor of artisanal makers with a design-forward approach like TOOLS to LIVEBY and Hay.” — Melissa Benham, Principal.
The Mistake: “Doesn’t feel inviting.”
The Quick Fix: “Bring some life and greenery into the space with real plants. Not only will it brighten up your work environment, but it will improve the air quality too.”—Kristen Ekeland, Principal, Studio Gild
The Mistake: You find yourself easily distracted
The Quick Fix: “Keep televisions and couches out of the office and stick to a neutral color palette. The less physical and visual clutter, the better you’ll be able to concentrate.”—Jennie Bishop, Principal, Studio Gild
Cortney Bishop, Principal, Cortney Bishop Design
The Mistake: Dull lighting.
The Quick Fix: Brighten up your office space and no doubt productivity will thrive. Think about different layers of task lighting. Besides just installing an overhead fixture, consider a desk lamp or wall sconces to further illuminate the room. And if you can find a lamp that also has USB outlets for your electronics, even better. I love eliminating extra clutter.”
The Mistake: Maximizing wall space.
The Quick Fix: “Go vertical. If you're tight on space, consider taking anything up your wall that will make the space more efficient. Peg walls, freestanding shelving, bulletin boards, calendars, even lighting, can be installed to free up space on the floor.”
Julie Massucco Kleiner and Melissa Warner Rothblum, Co-Founders, Massucco Warner Miller
The Mistake: Buying basic, dreary, office furniture, lacking in personality.
The Quick Fix: “We like to use desks that are a pretty style, even a table or console can be used as long as it’s around 30” desk height. Think outside of the metal/laminate desk: grass cloth, leather topped, mirror clad or lacquered are some of our favorites.”
The Mistake: Not adding color or pattern.
The Quick Fix: “Chairs are a great way to plug in a color or pattern you love. There are very few home offices that actually require a wheeled task chair so any chair that is comfortable for a dining table application is usually great as a desk chair in a home office too.”
The Mistake: Not adding the finishing touches.
The Quick Fix: “Don’t forget to use a few details that’ll make you smile when you’re in the space. We’ve hung vintage mirrors behind a desk (it doesn’t matter if your screen computer extends up to cover them a bit), include a favorite photo, or a desktop trinket that can hold paperclips, gather a few pieces you love and use them here.”
High Risk Hire: How to Interview While Pregnant
Because life is full of all kinds of bumps in the road.
Written by Arianna Schioldager.
Photo: Angelica Marie Photography
Looking for a job while pregnant may seem daunting, but don’t let that stop you. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII bars discrimination in employment on the bases of race, color, sex, national origin, and religion. A little over a decade later, Title VII was amended to include the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits an employer from refusing to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition. Simply put, an employer may not refuse to hire a woman because she is or expects to become pregnant. Not to say that these refusals don’t still happen.
Looking for a job while pregnant is hard to hide. Unless you're in the first or early second trimester, it's pretty obvious when you have that baby bump. An employer doesn't have to ask, and no matter what the Pregnancy Discrimination Act states, as an interviewee you're a HRH. A high risk hire.
Hiring discrimination is very difficult to prove but to pretend it doesn't happen is turning a blind eye. So how do you address the elephant in the room? In the words of Harper Lee, "It's when you know you're licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what," that's where the bold as brass boss in you lives.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Never include a "disability" on your resume. Ever.
Next, before you interview, you need to ask yourself an important question: "CAN I DO THE JOB?" If the answer if yes, you should walk into that interview as confident as ever. Baby bumpin' or not.
WHEN THE RICH MAN ASKS YOU TO COUNT HIS SILVER...
Do you do it?
Because interviews are scarce and applicants are high, there is a reality to the fear that the employer has the power and you should concede to "illegal" questions. Nothing could be further from the truth. The ball, in an interview, is in both courts, especially if you are good at your job. You need work. The company needs someone skilled to fill the position.
By proving that you are the best person for the job regardless of physical condition. With every employee there is the risk that something unexpected could happen.
You will quickly find out what kind of company it is if you respond to an inappropriate question by addressing it as such, and looking the interviewer right in the eye.
Which is why you should also:
DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY AND MAKE SURE YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THEM
You deserve the job but does the job deserve you? There are questions you need to ask yourself before saying "I do" to an interview, or a company. Look at how the company treats women. There are plenty of companies who have no problem—as they shouldn't—with a pregnancy. The White House, for one. In 2015 the WH took an influential position on the issue of economic, family-friendly policies when they announced that State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki would replace the President's outgoing communications director. Psaki was pregnant at the time of hire.
There are companies most concerned with that first question you asked yourself: Can you do this job?
I was looking for a job while pregnant and was offered the position because the company recognized that my childbearing had no affect on how I could perform the requested duties.
That's not to say it's not terrifying and there is an extra layer of pressure. But don't let your fear win out over your skills. A smart employer will recognize your determination. In fact:
"Don't let your fear of interviewing while preg win out over your skills. A smart employer will recognize determination."
Tweet this.
USE PREGNANCY TO SHOW OFF YOUR STRATEGIC SKILLS
When you're not showing, the advice as to whether or not disclose your pregnancy is split. But when you are showing, it's best to address it head-on. Use the pregnancy to your advantage by showing your potential employer your planning skills. Outline your flexibility. No matter what, the decision to interview while pregnant is brave and shows that you are capable of making bold business decisions, as well as a work ethic that should be admired.
Keep that in mind when you walk in those doors.
Oh and to also keep in mind: The United States is currently the only developed country that does not offer government-sponsored paid maternity leave. #Facts.
About the Author
Written by Arianna Schioldager, Director of Content and Marketing at Girlgaze Inc. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her on this site she never updates www.ariannawrotethis.com
Did You Know That Marketing Fraud Is Illegal? Here's 4 Ways to Keep Your Influencer Brand Ethical
Take note of these legal guidelines.
Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who enjoys covering topics related to social justice, business, and feminism. You can follow her on twitter @hamiltonjori or keep up with her latest work on her Contently.
Photo: Smith House Photo
Have you ever seen a blogger or brand make an exaggerated claim about their product or service online? If you have, then it’s possible they were committing marketing fraud. Well, marketing fraud is illegal, and it’s not limited to intentional deception on the part of a brand or influencer. Laws prohibiting marketing fraud are in place to protect the consumer.
False marketing can land you and your brand in a world of trouble. For instance, if you sell medications or supplements and a follower experiences harm such as negative health effects or a significant financial loss due to your advertising practices, you could set yourself up for a lawsuit—and your reputation and bank account could take a really big hit too.
Let’s explore some of the legal guidelines for marketing and how to market products and services ethically.
Always Disclose: Influencers Must Abide By FTC Requirements
Individual influencers, bloggers, and content creators need to be aware of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for endorsements and disclosures. This means that if a brand gives you a free product in exchange for promoting or reviewing it, you have to disclose that you have been compensated in some way.
The FTC provides guidelines for disclosure here, as well as rules for social media promotion. This also applies to brands who place content as advertisements. If you’ve ever seen a sponsored article on a website or in a newspaper, the “sponsored article” notification is the publication’s disclosure as required by the FTC.
Remember: If you have any conflict of interest (such as advertising a former employer or a family member’s brand), you need to disclose it to your consumers.
How to Avoid False Claims: Be Authentic
When we go online, we’re inundated with information and advertisements. Thanks to effective content marketing, those things are often one and the same. Competition for consumers’ attention is steep—some state the average person sees at least 4,000 advertisements over the course of their day. When it comes to watching a video or reading a piece of content, Google searchers make a decision based on trust when they click on your link.
It’s safe to say that the used car salesman is quite a trope. Stereotypically, they’re known to make false claims about their cars to move them off the lot and make a buck. Take a minute to think about why this trope is so unappealing to consumers. We think of used car salesmen as:
Dishonest
Disrespectful and sexist
Putting the sale above the relationship with the customer — a critical failure in marketing
Fast talkers
Untrustworthy and unreliable
Shady or even illegal
While most used car sales people aren’t actually like that in real life, the trope is pretty pervasive because the actions of bad salesmanship are reprehensible and vilified. Obviously, you don’t want your brand to be affiliated with any of these qualities. Brand reputation is invaluable.
By using an approach of authenticity as a core part of your branded experience, you can avoid developing a poor reputation. You want your brand to be considered honest, respectful, and engaging. You want to establish and strengthen your reputation, communication, and relationship with your customer. You want to earn that trust and execute business in a legal and ethical fashion.
Consumers are engaged by brands that are authentic enough to stand for something. When Gillette embraced the #MeToo movement and tackled toxic masculinity in its ad campaign, it started a massive conversation but it also provided a look at who makes the household buying decisions when it comes to razors and shaving cream (hint: women often do). In this way, Gillette started a conversation that was important and relevant to them as a brand but also engaged their consumers.
Behind the scenes, there was likely a lot of testing and debate about this as a business decision, but ultimately, they must have decided that it was worth alienating outmoded thinkers to engage an audience of women and men who would more enthusiastically purchase and engage.
Positive Side Effects of Transparency
Doing the right thing is ethically imperative and can keep you out of trouble with the FTC. Providing disclosure also has some other benefits for you. Namely, your audience will appreciate your transparency and they will trust you more.
If your relationship with your audience is truly more important than landing another sponsor, it will benefit you in the long term. Your fans and community will support, defend, and forgive you for missteps. Those who have followed your brand for some time will be more likely to consider your behavior over time and less likely to drop you if you make a small mistake.
As an influencer or brand representative, you’re more likely to make mistakes than you would be if your posts had to go through several layers of approval. Transparency is an aspect, but without someone else constantly double-checking you, mistakes can and will happen. Your audience wants an element of unplanned, live, and raw reactions from you. You’ve got to build up the social credit to take a fall every now and then. It’s a natural part of the branding cycle.
How to Protect Yourself
Have you done the work to become registered as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)? Getting LLC or S-Corp status is the first step you can take to protect yourself against lawsuits about false claims and other legal troubles that are bound to arise as you grow in popularity. If your brand is big, it’s only a matter of time before you need legal and financial protection.
General liability insurance coverage for business can also help. This insurance protects you against liability claims. For example, if a follower tries a skin care product you recommended in a YouTube video and experiences a skin rash, liability insurance can protect you in the event that they sue. It should cover property damage claims advertising injury claims, court costs, libel/slander, settlements, and more.
As you represent your brand passionately and authentically, remember to protect yourself and abide by the legal rules surrounding advertising. Your passion, transparency, and expertise will win you new customers and fans.
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It's International Self-Care Day—Here's How 8 Women Are Cultivating Self-Love
Because you’re worth it.
Ask anyone five years ago if they practice self-care and they’d most likely look at you with a puzzled expression. Fast forward to today and it’s now a $10 billion dollar industry. If you’re still not familiar, Psych Central defines self-care as “any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.” Of course, it doesn’t have to cost money, it can be anything that fills your cup, re-energizes you, and brings you joy.
So to celebrate International Self Care Day we’re sharing eight quotes from our panelists at the inaugural Self Care Summit in Los Angeles on how they take care of themselves and cultivate self-love.
Kelly LeVeque, Holistic Nutritionist, NSCA-PT
“I cultivate self-love everyday by doing little things throughout the day to take care of myself and show my body that I love it. I make a fab four smoothie, go for a walk, enjoy a podcast—it’s just finding those moments to take care of yourself.”
Koya Webb, International Holistic Health Coach and Author of Let Your Fears Make You Fierce
“I cultivate self-love in my life by making sure that I have a morning routine. I spend at least an hour or two in the morning just taking care of myself.”
Remi Ishizuka, Health and Wellness Content Creator
“I cultivate self-love in my life by putting myself first, putting my health first, making it a priority no matter what and then doing all of that in the morning.”
Lestraundra LesAlfred, Host, Balanced Black Girl Podcast
“For me it’s all about giving myself grace, having compassion, and treating myself as well as I would treat anyone else.”
Shiva Rose, Founder of the Local Rose and Alchemist Creator of Shiva Rose Beauty
“So cultivating self-love has been a huge part of my healing process and is something that I do daily. I do this through kundalini yoga, I do it through drinking herbs and tonics and teas and using the yogi 8 for exercises.”
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty, Plant Based Recipe Developer, Fitness and Well-Being Enthusiast
“For me self-love has become about nourishing myself but also nourishing other people. I think it’s a beautiful cycle that you can gain from someone else but you can also give to them. And that’s the way I feel self-love has empowered me the most.”
Dr. Deepika Chopra, Optimism Doctor, Visual Imagery Expert, and Happiness Researcher
“I really learned to cultivate self-love by practicing empathy and compassion for myself, especially in times when I’m not successful or I’ve made a mistake and really treat myself as I would a friend or a client.”
Lalah Delia, Spiritual Writer, Wellness Educator, Founder of Vibrate Higher Daily
“So incense and candles, all the fluffy stuff, but also it’s taking time for myself, grace with myself, taking all the time I need. Sometimes it’s sitting and talking to my child, bubble mats, see saw, dancing and my Spotify playlist.”
How do you cultivate self-love? Share it with us on social and use the hashtag #nationalselfcareday
Yes, This Might Get Weird—Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart On What It's Like to Work With Your Best Friend
Turning roadblocks into open doors.
We caught up with Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart hosts of the This Might Get Weird podcast, who also happen to be New York Times best-selling author’s, Youtube OG’s and best friends to talk about their upcoming tour, how to turn roadblocks into open doors, what it’s like working with your best friend, and the weirdest things to happen on the pod.
Photo: @Atwes
Let’s start with introductions. Can you tell us a little about yourselves and gives us a rundown on what the This Might Get Weird podcast is?
MAMRIE: So, Grace and I are best friends who met each other over a decade ago in NYC. We were both put on a sketch team together at the People’s Improv Theater, but our friendship was really cemented after that ended. We both lived in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn and had a mutual love of bloody Marys and creating funny content for the internet. We’ve been besties/partners in creative endeavors ever since.
GRACE: With the podcast, we wanted to give people a little voyeristic look into what we catch up on when we aren’t rolling for an internet video or what we talk about for the thirty minutes over coffee before we dive into a video. don’t know what it is, but Grace and I have a natural tendency to get ourselves into strange situations.
MAMRIE: We also seek them out. Especially since we started the podcast.
GRACE: So, now we go on our own solo adventures and, basically just live our lives, then come together once a week to catch the other one up over coffee. It’s a lot of belly laughs and shock and random tangents.
MAMRIE: We call it an ‘hour of your week that you won’t completely hate.’
Can you tell us a little bit about TMGW’s origin story? I know there were a few iterations prior to what it is now, can you tell us a bit about that? And why you ultimately decided that a podcast was the medium you wanted to be using?
GRACE: TMGW was born out of a pivot. Mamrie and I got the opportunity to create a Monday to Friday digital series with a production company who brought us the idea and was also picking up the production costs. We wanted to be your 12-minute episode, weekday morning weird Kathy Lee and Hoda.
MAMRIE: Hoda once told me I was hot but that’s beside the point.
GRACE: It is. Basically, Mame and I busted our butts for eight months creating this show and trying to bring our pre-existing online audiences over to the party. While we had a loyal base, ultimately it wasn’t the numbers the production company wanted and we got the call that we weren’t gonna be filming anymore episodes.
MAMRIE: But we also weren’t going to stop what momentum we had. Sure, the base was small but it was mighty. So that morning when we got the call, Grace was at my kitchen counter 30 minutes later, discussing ways to bounce back and also having a Moscow mule way too early to admit. We felt more fired up than fired.
GRACE: So we decided to not skip a beat and turn ‘This Might Get’ into ‘This Might Get Weird’ the podcast, the next week. We owned the I.P. as executive producers so why not?
You definitely didn’t let your show being canceled slow you down. What advice do you have for people on how they can turn their roadblocks into new opportunities?
MAMRIE: I’m a big believer in anything that’s worth doing is gonna take hard work. But there’s also something to be said about the path of least resistance. You might have the building blocks for something great, but they just need to be rearranged. Like ingredients in a dish. Put together the wrong way and it could be disgusting, a different way, it's delicious. Also, sorry, I've been binging Top Chef so it's on my brain.
Photo: @Atwes
You have known each other for a long time, what’s the best and the hardest part about working with your best friend? What advice would you give other women who are wanting to pursue a business endeavor with a friend?
GRACE: Always get your own hotel rooms!
MAMRIE: Ha. YES! When Grace and I were starting out touring with live shows, doing a travel series, going to conventions we were trying to scrape by and save money anyway we could. Most of the time this meant Grace graciously letting me take the pull out couch. But as soon as you can, make sure you can create literal personal space.
GRACE: At the end of the day, you need to make sure that if shit hit the fan, you guys would still want to be friends. Working with your best friend is the best, but you still need to be friends first.
MAMRIE: Plus, audiences can smell bullshit, especially in comedy. Our podcast is about having fun with each other. If that isn’t there, people will feel it. Grace and I are in no means perfect. We're legit friends so, of course, we've had our ups and downs. On those down beats, we don't go on tour. We aren't in each others faces. We take a beat, work out our shit... and then can work together. You can't force it.
Let’s talk about your upcoming tour! Give us all the deets and what fans can expect from the show?
MAMRIE: OH MAN. We are so excited to get back on the road.
GRACE: Since our podcast isn’t formatted, it’s kind of impossible to go onstage two nights in a row and podcast for an hour. So we are making it a hybrid, part podcast, part stand up and only part-ly figured out so we need to get to work.
And finally, what’s the weirdest thing that has happened on the podcast?
GRACE: Mamrie accidentally pleasured a furry at CatCon a couple weeks ago.
MAMRIE: Grace swallowed her nose ring twice, and accidentally drugged her self. Also, Devon Sawa has started directly responding to us via Twitter
GRACE: Mamrie left her vibrator at an airbnb last weekend. And who knows what will happen on this tour. COME OUT! Seriously, its the perfect weird outing for you and your group of gals to have a couple cocktails and hear some tales. No previous knowledge needed.
Buy tickets to the TMGW Tour and prepare to laugh you a$$ off.
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“You Can Always Sprinkle in a Little Bit of Beyoncé” and Other Kick-Ass Quotes From Our Los Angeles Self Care Summit
We self cared our little hearts out this weekend at the very first Self Care Summit in Los Angeles. To those who came, thank you for joining us and to those who couldn’t make it, don’t fret. We’ve compiled the most important takeaways from our awe-inspiring day of panels, classes, pop-ups, and more.
Knowing we had a jam-packed day ahead of us, Purely Elizabeth served energizing breakfast bites to keep everyone at 100 because when we weren’t taking notes from the empowering panels we were learning a new self-care skill with intimate classes in the Zen Den. Thank goodness SEV Laser were offering B12 shots for that extra “pick-me-up” and Lemonade came through with their mouth-watering sandwiches. Throughout the day, we had matcha, espresso, and coffee on deck at the Bluestone Lane pop-up too. Breaks were made easy with our favorite acai bowls from Pitaya Plus and the cutest donuts from Donut Friend.
Those looking for further respite, headed into the Ritual Room on the 4th floor which was literally bursting at the seams with people having crystal readings by Style Ritual and aura photographs by The Aura Photobooth. After a stellar day of key learnings and rejuvenation, we wrapped up with a sweet-tooth happy hour—we couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate self-care than with scoops of McConnell’s Ice Cream and Milk Bar sweet treats.
Now, let’s go through some of the sage soundbites shared throughout the day—we guarantee you’ll want to share these quotable moments on Instagram!
PANEL: IS IT WORTH IT, CAN YOU WORK IT—Working it out and staying healthy in an "always-on" culture
Panelists:
Kelly LeVeque | Holistic Nutritionist, NSCA-PT
Koya Webb | International Holistic Health Coach and Author of Let Your Fears Make You Fierce
Sinikiwe Dhliwayo | Founder of NAAYA Wellness
Remi Ishizuka | Health and Wellness Content Creator
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty | Plant Based Recipe Developer, Fitness and Well-Being Enthusiast
Merle O’Neale | Video Producer, Tasty and Goodful
Jen Beechen | Vice President of Marketing, Vital Proteins
Moderator:
Kimberly Brooks | Anchor and Correspondent, ABC News
Remi Ishizuka
On what self-care means...
“Self-care to me is about adding to your life.”
On what her self-care practice looks like...
“I know that if I don't get my workout in at the beginning of the day, I won't do it.”
“I won't touch my phone until I have my matcha, that’s a rule I have.”
Sinikiwe Dhliwayo
On what self-care means...
“Self-care is actually doing the hard thing and things I don't want to do like pay bills.”
“Setting boundaries—to not take other people’s stuff on.”
On what her self-care practice looks like...
“At the end of the day, to practice meditation all you need is breath… it doesn't require anything fancy. You can be in your room with a mat and quiet space.”
“If you're running yourself ragged, asking others ‘how can I help you?’ then you aren't pouring into your own cup.”
Kelly LeVeque
On what wellness means...
“Wellness is creating those sustainable habits,making our life exactly what we want it to be.”
On how to prioritize wellness when it’s not your job..
“It's really about where you are in your career and in your life.”
On how to embrace collaboration over competition...
“The love and support you get from being vulnerable… it makes the competition fade away.”
On her number one self-care tip...
“Start your day with a blood sugar balancing meal.”
Koya Webb
On the power of embracing fear...
“I think it’s very important to realize fear is a natural thing.”
“Fear is our friend—it’s there to show us that we need more love in our life.”
“Face everything and rise.”
“How can we breathe love into every situation?”
On reprioritizing self-care...
“We forget that the most important person to nurture is ourselves.”
“If we nurture ourselves first and foremost, we will have the most energy to nurture others.”
“Love yourself, love others, then love the world—in that order.”
On the power of community...
“We aren’t meant to live this life alone.”
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty
On how to prioritize wellness when it’s not your job..
“I think it’s all about prioritizing what you want to do in the morning. Doing the things that are most important to you in the morning so you get it out of the way.”
On living with more intention...
“The energy we give is the energy we receive.”
“Take time to stop and be present both internally and externally.”
“Whether it’s eating or cooking—it’s trying to put some intention into that.”
On how to cultivate self love….
“I think self-love always starts with realizing who you are.”
“You have to strike a balance between mind, body and soul.”
“Scrolling through [Instagram] is so mindless. If you can lock out an hour, it can be so helpful. So, when you’re doing other stuff, you aren’t scattered when you’re scrolling through.”
Merle O’Neale
On the power of vulnerability...
“I’m a human being, I make mistakes but I’m doing my best.”
“Doing the best you can but being honest when you aren’t.”
On her top self-care tip...
“If you have a list, just start with the first thing and be happy with that.”
Jen Beechen
On the scheduling in time for self-care...
“The whole weekend can go by without a chance to recharge if you don’t make time for it.”
On being flexible with self-care...
“You don’t have to get eight hours every night, but you need a certain number of hours a week.”
On her top self-care tip...
“Get outside and look at things that aren't on a screen. It's amazingly restful for your eyes.”
PANEL: RISE AND SHINE—The people setting the new standards for beauty & wellness brands
Panelists:
Shiva Rose | Founder of the Local Rose and Alchemist Creator of Shiva Rose Beauty
Savannah Hobbs | Head of Communications, Purple
Vanessa Lee | Founder, The Things We Do
Jessica Chan | Director of Business Development and Strategic Planning, IDEWCARE
Michelle Aufmann | Regional Education and Sales West, Biossance
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
Jessica Chan
On progress over perfection...
“It’s not about being perfect it's about iterating.”
On the power of being a consumer-centric brand...
“Our focus is making sure our consumer is at the center of everything we do.”
“We should be doing what’s right for our consumers and what's right for the world.”
Shiva Rose
On why clean skin care is so important...
“When you put things on your skin, there’s no filter—it goes straight to your bloodstream.”
On the collective shift to a more conscious consumer...
“I think that’s what’s happening in the world, we are waking up.”
On how to grow a business...
“If you believe in it and it’s doing good for the planet… don’t give up.”
Savannah Hobbs
On the power of having a diverse voice..
“It’s allowed us to enter a crowded space and stand out.”
On having the data to back your ideas up...
“We’ve taken 30 years of research and development and put it into this product.”
On the power of being a consumer-centric brand...
“Listen to your customers. Make sure they are at the center of what you do.”
Michelle Aufmann
On how clean skin care is moving away from being just a trend...
“Really, for us, as a brand, it’s a lifestyle. It’s no longer a trend.”
“The sustainability of our brand is really important to us.”
On collaboration over competition...
“We support other brands like us. We invite every single option, brand, and consumer.”
On how to always be growing as a person and a brand...
“Educate me on something I don’t know.”
“Educate yourself and tap into other avenues.”
“The people we hire for our company have to believe in what we’re doing.”
“If we don't have the answer for you, we are going to find out the answer for you.”
“We keep our pricing very low. Skincare should really be accessible to you.”
Vanessa Lee
On the power of not having a ‘selling technique’...
“I don't have a selling technique. There’s no selling quota to meet for the day.
On starting a business...
“Get ready for the ride of your life. If anything comes up, I triple dog dare you to go against it.”
“If you need it, chances are 100 other women need it to.”
“Set yourself apart and do something different in this next year of marketing.”
ZEN DEN PANEL: Cannabis Culture—A blunt conversation about the billion-dollar industry and why women are paving the way
Panelists:
Kate Miller | Co-Founder and CEO, Miss Grass
Jacob Douglas | National Trainer, Josie Maran Cosmetics
Moderator:
Varuni Palacios | Head of Growth, Miss Grass
Kate Miller
On Miss Grass...
“Everything we do is education-led.”
“Consumers need to be educated so they know how to read a label.”
On brand accountability...
“The beauty industry was the first one to embrace cannabis. With that being said—the brands attaching to cannabis need to be responsible.”
“Know who is behind the brands you are supporting.”
On the realities of cannabis...
“Showing representation is shifting the narrative away from the guy on his couch eating potato chips.”
Jacob Douglas
What should people know about cannabis...
“Read the labels. Educate yourself on the terminology. Know what you’re looking for.”
On ingredients...
“Hemp seed oil is high in protein and great for the skin.”
“Full spectrum CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system.”
On incorporating CBD to your beauty routine...
“I would love to see more intention and specialization in the beauty industry.
On self-care...
“Take a second to check in with yourself and have kind words with yourself.”
PANEL: WOKE UP LIKE THIS—A conversation on self-love and curating confidence.
Panelists:
Tess Holliday | Body positive activist, model, mother, author, and entrepreneur
Fiiyinfoluwa Akinniranye | Blogger and Founder of Atarah Avenue
Cassy Joy Garcia | Founder of Fed & Fit, and Beautycounter Consultant
Christina Stejskal | Head of Global Comm., PR and Social Media Strategies, Fender
Daniel Martin | Celebrity Makeup Artist and Mediheal Brand Ambassador
Moderator:
Dr. Deepika Chopra | Optimism Doctor, Visual Imagery Expert, and Happiness Researcher
Tess Holiday
On learning to love herself...
“I can take up as much space I want—I shouldn’t be ashamed.”
“I'm kind of a mess, but proudly.”
On prioritizing yourself...
“My most meaningful connections happen when I can take a step back and focus on myself and make sure that I’m doing what I need to do.”
On the power of social media...
“There are so many other people who are deserving of opportunities and that’s where social media comes in.”
“Representation is so important and that’s what changes lives.”
“I think social media can be a really powerful tool. People can create this space and show the representation that wasn't there before.”
“I think it's important to remember that Instagram isn’t real life.”
“People think that they know you based on social media. They might know bits of you.
We don’t have it figured out. We’re just doing our best.”
On representation....
“You can chase your dreams and do whatever you want to do and you're not limited just because you haven't seen anyone else doing what you want to do.”
“And that’s what saves lives—feeling less alone.”
Fiiyinfoluwa Akinniranye
On self-care...
“I think self-love is so important and so timely.”
“If I’m going to compare myself, I’m never going to be happy.”
“Mental health is at such a forefront right now and I don’t want to miss that.”
On being influential...
“I have a job title of being an influencer and I don’t take that lightly.”
“It is my duty to make sure I am spreading positivity.”
Cassy Joy Garcia
On balancing work and motherhood...
“I don’t owe anyone an explanation on how I’m balancing it.”
“Give yourself permission to break the mold.”
On being transparent on social media...
“When it comes to social media, it’s about being brave.”
“I want to show a peep behind the curtain.”
“Put it out there, you might really find your people.”
Christina Stejskal
On what self-love looks like...
“I had this idea that self-love was this grandiose thing but these small things that make you happy are self-love. I like to do a face mask and take a bath every Sunday.”
On knowing who you are as a business...
“Know what your authenticity is and what is your goal. Always know. Stay authentic. Know you have a responsibility, people are watching you.”
On best advice...
“Take risks and don’t be afraid.”
Daniel Martin
On self-care...
“I'm in the space of taking care of others. If I’m not well, my clients will feel that.”
“Be authentic to yourself. Be happy. That little moment changes everything.”
On social media...
“For me, my Instagram is just sharing my journey, the products I use the places I go.”
“What you see and what you see in person is so different, so in the end it’s about artistry.”
KEYNOTE #1: Giada De Laurentiis | Chef, Author and Founder of Giadzy
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson, Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On her love for cooking...
“I want to be doing things and tasting things that I love.”
On being a working mother…
“I thought when I got pregnant, that it would end my career.”
“Having my daughter helped me overcome a lot of my fears. It also taught me to cook faster.”
“It made it better for my career to have my daughter. It [also] made me aware of how important my culture was.”
“You need to learn to ask for help, you can’t do it alone.”
“How do you take care of yourself and take care of your child and still have a career? It doesn't have to be one or the other.”
On facing stereotypes…
“How could anyone trust a skinny cook?”
Greatest professional achievement…
“My restaurants in Vegas.”
Best business lesson...
“You gotta spend money to make money.”
On the next 10 years….
“I see a much healthier generation coming our way and I hope I have a hand in helping that.”
On being heard in a male-dominated industry…
“The biggest obstacle I would say is people taking me seriously. I was in a field that was very heavily male-dominated. I didn't look the part.”
“I think it’s difficult—I'll say that. It's best that we just show them. Actions are always louder than words. You show them every day and you don't get emotional. Men do not work well with emotional women. Be consistent with your work and that’s when they know, and start to take you seriously.”
“The more that you tell me no, the more I’m going to prove you wrong and I’m going to work harder.”
Having multiple jobs at once...
“Build a good team to execute your vision. You can't be in all those places at the same time. At some point you have to trust your gut that you have hired the right people. You’re going to need them for support as well. Take breaks and build a strong team around you. Your gut will lead you the right way.”
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and think about the baskets you put them in.”
On self-care...
“I think that the number one thing we should be doing is eating right because it takes care of everything else.”
PANEL: BIG MOOD—Talking mental health stigmas, cultivating happiness & Dealing with #lyfe
Panelists:
Erica Chidhi Cohen | Co-Founder and CEO, LOOM
Lalah Delia | Spiritual Writer, Wellness Educator, Founder of Vibrate Higher Daily
Lestraundra LesAlfred | Host, Balanced Black Girl Podcast
Katie D'Amato, Director of Brand & Social Activation, Alaska Airlines
Moderator:
Rina Raphael | Health and Wellness Reporter, Fast Company
Erica Chidhi Cohen
On self-care...
“Turning down the noise enough to know what my feelings are.”
“Sometimes you can't feel stressed when you’re going 100 miles an hour.”
“It’s interesting how medicating T.V. is.”
Changing mental health stigmas...
“I think that everyone is going through something at some point. There is so much power in that sharing.”
“There’s been a media problem previously where mental health issues equal incapacitacion.”
“Society doesn’t come and get you when you’re doing really well.”
On being in touch with how you feel...
“Happiness is more of a relay race. There are different things that are going to feel like happiness en route.”
“Being able to change up what happiness is, is really important.”
“Imagine that you don't know what happiness is and push yourself to recultivate that.”
“For most people, life itself is inherently painful. Pain is something we’re a little more in touch with.”
Lalah Delia
On vibrating higher daily...
“It's about you, reaching your full potential in any moment.”
“To help you reach the higher potential in all those aspects of life.”
“It’s about journey in grace.”
“When we remember who we are, the game changes.”
On being yourself...
“It's good to be relatable in the world.”
“You can be flawed and beautiful.”
On why writing is important...
“Until you show up with your light, they are going to be in the dark.”
“If you have something to write and something to say, trust that. Trust what’s in you.”
Lestraundra LesAlfred
On happiness…
“Happiness is not a mask or a look.”
“I think a lot of us get focused on wanting others to know we’re happy.”
“What’s more important than finding happiness? Slowing down and enjoying it.”
“Happiness is a lot more abundant than we realize.”
On self-care rituals…
“Real intentional alone time.”
Katie D'Amato
On happiness…
“I find that when I’m just in the moment with my friends or myself, there’s this sense of calm and contentment.”
On saying no…
“It’s hard to just say ‘no’ but what I have found is that people actually respect it more.”
“As women we are asked to do a lot of things and we want to be pleasers.”
“I'm really trying to say ‘no’ a lot more, both in my personal and professional life.”
“Say ‘no’, try it. It feels good.”
On positivity at work...
“Be kindhearted, be remarkable, do the right thing.”
“Our goal is to bring a little bit of joy wherever you are right now.”
“Turn that smile up if you can.”
“You can always sprinkle in a little bit of Beyoncé.”
PANEL: FAMILY MATTERS—How to deal with multitasking and making moves while being a mom
Panelists:
Lauren Gores | Co-Founder of Summer Fridays and Lifestyle Content Creator
Whitney Port | Influencer and Brand Director
Vanessa Simmons | Actress, Fashion Designer, and Entrepreneur
Daphne Oz | Emmy Award-winning television host, author, chef, and Aveeno Hair Brand Ambassador
Moderator:
Ali Fedotowsky | T.V. Personality and Lifestyle Blogger
Whitney Port
On motherhood and working...
“We need to start taking the pressure off of ourselves to find that balance.”
“Those two things aren't mutually exclusive.”
“Sometimes you get things done without knowing how you got them done.”
On self-care...
“It’s important to take those little moments to take care of yourself and then show up in a bigger way for others.”
Daphne Oz
On happiness...
“Happiness is how closely expectations align with reality.”
“Make less time in your life for the weeds and more time for the flowers.”
On motherhood...
“We are doing a better job at allowing women to know those struggles are normal.”
“Your relationship with yourself is changing because you now have someone dependent on you.”
“We put so much pressure on ourselves to do everything.”
Lauren Gores
On motherhood and its realities...
“I think before (motherhood), I thought I would be able to do it all and really perfectly.”
“Forgiving myself that it might take some time to figure it out.”
“You have to become comfortable with imperfection.”
On being a working mom...
“I’m so proud to be a mom and to be working.”
“You can do both but you should be very forgiving of your journey.”
“I don’t think I feel guilty I just think we all wish we had more hours in the day.”
“I’m not failing at both—I’m imperfectly showing up.”
Vanessa Simmons
On motherhood mid-career...
“I felt like I haven’t accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish yet.”
“Motherhood is not a deadline.”
On embracing help as a mother...
“You have to create a group of women around you.”
“You have to accept the help and let go of the control you are trying to hold on to.”
“Team work makes the dream work.”
PANEL: SELF CARE SUCCESS STORIES—Meet the women building businesses for the modern woman
Panelists:
Katherine Power | Founder and CEO of Who What Wear & Versed
Jill Layfield | Co-Founder and CEO of Tamara Mellon
Suzanne Hall | Co-Founder and editor-in-chief, The Chalkboard Mag
Iva Pawling | Co-Founder and CEO, Richer Poorer
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
Katherine Power
On making fashion accessible…
“Our mission was to make fashion accessible, to make sure you can get it into your hands.”
On scaling successfully…
“I had to become really good at delegating really early on.”
“You have to let go at a certain point.”
On connecting with the consumer…
“She informs everything we do now.”
On self-care...
“For me sleep is really important, and working out.”
“I workout more for my mind than my body.”
Jill Layfield
On what the consumer wants…
“Today, what the consumer wants is shared values with brands.”
On the evolution of e-commerce…
“We think the next big wave of commerce, is broadly being called right now ‘conversational commerce’.”
“Moving towards conversational design rather than web design.”
Best advice:
“Be fearless, you have to go for it.”
Suzanne Hall
On the evolution of wellness..
“It’s veered towards self-care and mental health.”
“Seeing wellness woven into so many industries is exciting.”
On the future of The Chalkboard Mag...
“Turning our very education-focused content into different mediums.”
“We’re looking for ways to show up with our interesting group of women before the page.”
On success…
“Everyone as an act of self-care should redefine what success means to them.”
“I think it’s wonderful to make it very personal. There is so much room for redefinition.”
Iva Pawling
On the importance of comfort...
“When you feel good you look good.”
“We don't need to show sweatpants on a couch, we know how to do that. We need to show how to bring that same value of comfort into work.”
On buying back her company…
“It was chaos and when we realized we were going to buy our brand back I was 37-weeks pregnant and was at a very scary place. But because I had something in my rearview that I needed to take care of I had to show up and just do it.”
On imposter syndrome...
“There are much less equipped people who have done a lot more.”
“You may have no idea how to do it but knowing you can and trusting yourself.”
KEYNOTE #2: Erin Foster | Head of Creative, Bumble and Advisor to The Mirror
Moderator:
Charles Porch | Head of Global Partnerships, Instagram
Erin Foster
On privilege…
“I come from a privileged background and I wanted to prove that I wasn’t always going to have a door opened for me. It’s hard to prove that you deserve to be there.”
“I don’t think you’re giving your children any leg up when you do everything for them.”
“Privilege and resources certainly give you a leg up because you are around people who are successful and who set an example. But I know a lot of privileged people who are doing nothing with their life. You really have to get there on your own.”
On being Bumble’s head of creative...
“We help with anything that connects people into the real world.”
“They’re trying to get people off of the apps and into the real world.”
“Dating apps are starting to feel like a game so we’re trying to actually connect you to people.”
On confidence and being yourself...
“I think a lot of us have two voices in our heads. The voice that says ‘you’re the worst’ and then the quieter voice that’s saying ‘you’re actually kinda dope’.”
“Embracing all the things that made me feel shame was what connected me with other women,because they feel that shame too.”
“Everyone has something that they secretly want to do and I think you really need to do everything in your power to do what you want to do.”
On potential…
“You have to believe in yourself and believe in your ability to prove yourself wrong.”
“When you don’t live up to your potential, when you don’t do what you know you can do, you will end up feeling bad about yourself.”
“You have to pay attention to the thing that keeps you up at night and try to do it.”
On her life lesson…
“Accept who you are and just lean into it.”