"Your Voice Is Power": Dynamite's Director of Product and Brand on How to Boss Up Your Career
You’ll want to write this down.
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, directors, 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.
“Your voice is power— speak up and don’t be afraid to show some passion.”
—Jessica Lutfy, Director Product and Brand, Dynamite
You don’t get to a director level in your career without some serious hustle and hard work but it all stems from the passion first. Jessica Lufty is definitely a result of all three. As the director of product and brand at Dynamite, she certainly has her work cut out for her but her love for the job and being able to work with “so many badass women” keeps her motivated and inspired.
To find out just exactly what a day-in-the-life of a director looks like, we tapped Lutfy to give us a glimpse from her morning routine to her greatest lessons, and productivity hacks. Grab your notepad, you’ll want to write these down.
What does an average day in your life look like?
“I wake up at 6 AM if I’m heading to spin, or 7 AM if I’m not. I prepare a cup of drip coffee and do my minimal makeup routine (most days just concealer and a tinted lip—mascara is for special days). I then check the weather app to curate my outfit for the day. Meetings start at 9:30 AM, which usually consists of assortment reviews, marketing/visual/photography/styling reviews, and strategy alignment meetings with my amazing team.
“If I didn’t make it to spin class in the morning I usually head over to the gym at the end of the day to reset the endorphins. Spinning is a major stress and energy release for me. When I get home I usually have a 15 minute (at least) conversation with my husband about what dinner should be. I like to keep it simple, while he thinks it’s an episode of Chopped. After dinner, we find some time to decompress before bed (which means Netflix of course). Lights out at 11 PM.”
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work?
“I’m a bit of both, to be honest. I can work out early and get things ticked off my ‘admin’ to-do list earlier in the day, but the real magic happens in the second half of the day when the creative juices are in full force. By the end of the day, I have been stimulated by so much creativity, passion and strategic conversations that it keeps me going until my head hits the pillow.”
Being a product and brand director means you wear so many hats across different facets of the business. How do you manage your time effectively?
“It’s all about communication and alignment. I regroup with my team twice a week to make sure we are all collectively working towards the same ‘north star.’ This allows us to focus on our priorities and execute on our mandates in the most effective and creative way possible. Each department within the banner has a piece of the puzzle to set in order for the brand to come to life the way we want it to. By consistently getting together and reviewing our goals, we keep each other accountable.”
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
“Never! I need to have clear goals established at the beginning of a season along with a bulletproof process to serve as a roadmap. The truth is that you can’t do it all, so it’s about doing what will help you achieve your goals and delegate (or drop what doesn’t). When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I make myself a physical priority list and pin it in my office. Somehow the act of writing makes it more attainable.”
“When you set a goal that is fundamentally important to you, you will inherently make strategic decisions that will allow you to reach that goal.”
—Jessica Lutfy, Director Product and Brand, Dynamite
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
“8 hours—anything fewer shows!”
What’s your go-to outfit to feel confident at work and how does fashion play into your outfit choices?
“My go-to confidence outfit would be an all-black look made complete with a menswear-inspired blazer.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
“Working among so many badass women then coming home to my sweet husband.”
What advice do you have for aspiring female founders?
“Your voice is power. Speak up and don’t be afraid to show some passion. Using your voice is a learned behavior that you can practice. You won’t always be right but the more you put yourself out there and make yourself uncomfortable, the more you will learn in turn.”
“The truth is that you can’t do it all, so it’s about doing what will help you achieve your goals and delegate (or drop what doesn’t).”
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned along the way?
“People work for people. You can have the best product and the nicest workspace, but at the end of the day, you want to spend your time with real people who are passionate about what they do.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Set goals for yourself, either in your personal life or in your career. I set a financial goal for myself three years ago, and just by writing it down and planting the seed in my subconscious I was able to achieve it. When you set a goal that is fundamentally important to you, you will inherently make strategic decisions that will allow you to reach that goal.”
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited about in 2020?
“In 2020 we will be elevating our product line as well as our brand image in order to better serve our customers through iconic fashion, thought-provoking imagery, and more personal connections. I am so excited for what’s to come as we take our brand to the next level.”
To learn more about Groupe Dynamite, visit dynamiteclothing.com.
20 Successful People Share the Books That Transformed Their Business
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In this age of information, we have everything we need to start a new business, create a website, or set up a budget right at our fingertips—Google is a powerful tool. But sometimes you need a deep dive into the topic to truly understand the scope of what’s required from every angle—that’s when we turn to books. In our new series, Turning a Page, we ask successful people to share their go-to tomes that helped transform their business. Whether you listen to them or need to physically flip the pages (and write notes or underline the text like us!), there is so much power in self-educating. Ready to turn a page in your career? These books will help take you there.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Even if you do go to school for an MBA, there really is no better education than the school of life. Even when you plan (and you should be prepared as much as possible) there comes a time when you just have to press go and figure it out along the way. Luckily, everything is figureoutable (thanks Marie Forleo) and making mistakes is all part of the process (in fact, some of the best learnings and improvements are made as a result of mishaps or missteps so don’t be afraid of failure).
While you’ll always have Google, we wanted to find out from people who’ve been down that road and read a few books along the way to share their favorites with us. So, turn a page and discover some of the best business books from 20 successful people and how it changed their business.
Amanda Greeley
Founder and designer, Thelma
The Book: The Diamond Cutter by Michael Roach
The Business Takeaway: “We are operating in a world where we are constantly made to feel that we need to push ourselves and others harder, that we need to fight or be loud to be heard, and that we should put the health of our business ahead of our own personal health. We seem to wear stress, exhaustion, and 'being busy' as a badge of honor. This book disproves all of it.
”This book proves that being generous and kind isn't only about feeling like a good person but it also leads to creativity, innovation, ultimately financial success. I don't think it's possible to start a business where absolutely everything goes as planned—and so, in those instances, how you respond and how you treat others is critical.”
Alyce Tran
Co-founder and creative director, The Daily Edited
The Book: The Dual Purpose Playbook by Julie Battliana, Anne-Claire Pache, Metin Sengul, and Marissa Kimsey
The Business Takeaway: “I am so inspired by the Veja (sneaker brand) business model and ethos and am working out how my business can play a better role in the community. It is changing the way I look at opportunities and issues in my business to ensure I am taking the most environmentally sustainable path possible in creating our product and getting that to our end users.”
Olivia Carr
Founder, SHHH SILK
The Book: The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
The Business Takeaway: “This is a book I read again and again as the messages within prove a constant reminder that crystal-clear thinking and focus (otherwise known as manifestation) has the unbelievable ability to change your world. This book changed our business! We use it as a daily tool to practice manifesting what we’re working on or the strategic goals we have for the business. This is definitely a book I would recommend for business owners.”
Kelly Barker
CEO and founder, Prep Your Skin
The Book: Essentialism: The Discipline Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown
The Business Takeaway: “I read Essentialism because the company was growing so fast that we could not take on any more collaborations, products or projects unless I changed how I was prioritizing our team, our resources and our time. This book taught me how ‘less is better,’ how to say no so I can focus on the big goals, and how to really prioritize decisions and tasks. Often, females are taught to say yes as if they are obligated to be socially accepted and not let others down. As a result, we all become over-committed and exhausted. This book is super easy to digest, and really helped me simplify the decision-making process.”
Alexandra Baker
Founder, Féroce
The Book: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
The Business Takeaway: “I decided to read Ray Dalio's book, Principles after a close friend recommended it to me. The book has enabled me to set up and implement guiding principles to live by personally and in my business. When running a company, especially a start-up, your personal and life principles are very much intertwined with your business outcomes. Egos, lack of decision-making experience, not wanting to disappoint anyone—these are just a few examples of how poor financial business decisions can be made.
“That being said, this book has helped me form principles for seeing and interpreting things as they are not as you would like them to be. Understanding this helps make the most precise educated decisions. I recommend this book to any entrepreneur, especially a start-up, as Ray Dalio has taken years of his own life and business experience and gone the extra mile by creating a method that anyone can replicate and apply.”
Kat Hantas
CEO and founder, 21 SEEDS
The Book: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
The Business Takeaway: "On the low hanging fruit side, he is a maniac about brand which I appreciate. But the bigger lessons have more to do with his honesty and his humility—a lot of these books tend to be brag-y and this book allows you to see the common denominators in yourself and this iconic brand builder—a real inspiration. In addition he does a great job of showing us how he weaved the power of relationship into the building, which is so important as you grow from project to company. Great beach read as you’re sipping on a 21seeds margarita this summer.”
Alix Peabody
Founder and CEO, Bev
The Book: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
The Business Takeaway: “While the book itself is full of helpful guidelines in building and running your business, Ray's view on money is particularly helpful. Numbers are important, numbers are information but they are not objective. What is most important is the application of those numbers, the insights behind them and how (and when) you let them guide you.”
Simona Rozhko
Founder, Evna Media
The Book: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t and Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
The Business Takeaway: "I loved it because Simon takes a digestible approach to business, leadership, and human behavior. He makes it easy but informative to understand why we do the things we do as a leader and how to be great, not just better. He’s a big believer in being a good, kind, and compassionate human and when I decided to start my business I felt the exact same way—that if I was leading people or consulting clients, it had to be mutually beneficial and feel good from the inside out. We spend most of our lives working and I want to live a life that’s fulfilling and positive emotionally, mentally, and physically.”
Mariah K. Lyons
Founder, ASTARA
The Book: The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
The Business Takeaway: “I find a fascinating dance between surrendering to the experiences and opportunities that organically show up in business, and setting goals and working diligently to manifest new opportunities and hit target goals.
“This is not a traditional business book, however, it is a really great book for helping business owners let go of stringent expectations of how things should be and build a business more intuitively. Michael Singer discusses how he built a billion-dollar public company by staying present, surrendering to a larger flow and allowing synchronicities to unfold into larger manifestations of great proportions.”
The Book: The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy : An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and the Politics of World Trade by Pietra Rivoli
The Business Takeaway: “I read this book in college and it was one of those books that greatly expanded my understanding of the global interconnectedness we all share. It fully shifted the way I look at the world, especially in regard to manufacturing, production, shared natural resources, and the global economy. It has stuck with me for many years and certain key concepts presented in this book were integral in launching my company ASTARA. It helped me understand the impact of my decisions from seemingly small decisions to larger ones such as production and manufacturing, to packaging, to materials to shipping.
“This book gives an insight into the complexities and politics of world trade. It is a great book for any business owner that manufactures, produces, or distributes physical goods in that it gives both a macro and micro view on the many levels of environmental, political and historical impacts of global trade. The author presents information and data on ‘free trade’ to inform the reader and gives space for the reader to develop their own opinion on the subject matter.”
Jodie Fried
Co-founder and director, Armadillo & Co
The Book: The Art of an Idea and How it Can Change Your Life by John Hunt
The Business Takeaway: “I was gifted a copy by a dear friend, and I was captivated not only by the concept of a book based on the power of an idea, but also the very poignant quotes, gorgeous paper, and beautiful illustrations. I could pick this book up any day of the week and read it with a different situation in mind. It taught me to trust my instincts and made me realize that you don’t always need to have all the answers—something I’ve applied creatively to my work as a designer, but also to our business and team.
“Every time I read this book I feel beyond inspired. It triggers me to open my mind to a new perspective. Over the years it has given me the courage to follow my own ideas and perhaps run a business in a non-conventional way, to take risks on change, and to challenge logic that often kills good ideas.
“The best advice I took away from it was: ‘When things are going well, taking no risks seems like a very smart strategy. When times are tough, though, you’ll notice expediency, which is meant to create all those happy, smiley faces, is suddenly wearing a smirk.’”
Sally Pottharst
Owner, Terrace Floors + Furnishings, and co-founder and director, Armadillo & Co
The Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Anecdote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
The Business Takeaway: “I read this book a couple of years ago when I was looking for some clarity in my life, and it resonated with me both personally and professionally. It imparts a set of practical and enduring principles that were easily applicable as our business has metamorphosed into a larger, more sustainable operation. I am a very practical person, so I valued the real-life anecdotes—they are also super entertaining to read. His old-school truths provide a great framework for us to live by and make decisions with.
“The biggest lesson I learned was, ‘compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today’—the perfect reminder for anyone who feels self-criticism. It has really helped me to view our business journey with great context and optimism for what I can bring to the table. As Armadillo & Co now celebrates its 10th anniversary, each of these rules has made me stop and think about how we can bring incremental improvements to the way we run our business.”
Shel Pink
Founder, Sparitual
The Book: Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming by Paul Hawken
The Business Takeaway: “The book is about the environmental movement and how great movements don’t have one charismatic leader they are led by a multitude of voices, of people who are passionate, resilient and disciplined about doing things daily to express their concerns and works towards change. I was inspired to read it to see how this concept could apply to the green beauty movement.
“Use your brand as a platform for change. That we all need to and can do something to do our part to contribute to the greater good. We are citizens of the world and we have a responsibility to live responsibly. Many people think that their single voice does not matter. It does. One voice, when joined with many others who are passionate about a particular issue, matters greatly. This is what defines a movement that can make a huge difference. This book is very exciting.”
Dr. Shuting Hu
CEO and co-founder, Acaderma
The Book: The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
The Business Takeaway: “It’s a book for entrepreneurs, and I learned a lot about how to develop and manage a startup business, which is quite different from a standard business. It reminds me of the importance of innovation, as a core value of our business. This book helped me look at Acaderma from a different perspective.
“Before, I would look at larger businesses as a model for how to build and operate my brand, but I now realize that we should focus on bringing disruptive technologies and products to market more efficiently and maximize our advantages in ingredient innovation which would eventually help to maximize my business financially. A lot of times we spend too much time looking at what we're doing wrong and trying to improve upon it, this book taught me to focus on what I'm doing well right now and strengthen that further.”
Mignonne “Maggie” Gavigan Smith
Founder, Mignonne Gavigan
The Book: The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You: Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success by Lydia Fenet
The Business Takeaway: “By reading this book, I’ve learned through Lydia’s personal situations, how to take hold of situations and make the most of them. Her book has helped me identify situations within the business that could be handled the best way possible. Women today are juggling so much— jobs, kids, life—and she enables the reader to know they can do all these things well.
“Lydia’s book has shown me that I’m not alone. She has given me the support to continue to run my business efficiently, be as creative as possible, organize my child and personal life and feel like I’m doing a good job. There are so many women out there in a similar situation as I am and they need her advice as well. She pushes you to keep going, to work harder, to maybe sleep a little less sometimes but to also take some time for yourself when you can. It’s an amazing book.”
Nancy Pellegrino
Owner, NP Aesthetics and co-founder, The Route Beauty
The Book: Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty by Nancy Etcoff
The Business Takeaway: “Survival of the Prettiest is not your typical business book but it impacted my views about the medical aesthetics industry, gave me a new understanding of patients and their cosmetic concerns and the clear notion that my business was not just about vanity but more about biology. We are hardwired to gravitate towards those who are deemed more attractive and we ourselves, in turn, want to be and look more attractive.
“This was the first time I learned that people who are attractive can more easily find mates, get better jobs and potentially live happier lives. My business—the business of making people look better—also makes people feel better about themselves. I have seen this over and over in my practice—unemployed patients will spend their last dime on Botox to help them feel more confident when going in for that interview. Older patients need that competitive edge—I could go on and on.
“It solidified my feeling that beauty is extremely important to my patients and is a serious business. To quote from the book: ‘Beauty influences our perceptions, attitudes, and behavior toward others.‘“
Nicci Green
Founder, Articolo
The Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
The Business Takeaway: “This book made me more mindful of how I make decisions and grow and form Articolo. It also made me realize that I've always been operating with a forward-thinking approach rather than a subconscious one.
“The biggest lesson I learned from the book was ‘sharpen the saw.’ This is all about looking after yourself and making sure you have a balance in significant areas of your life; emotional, physical (haven't managed this yet), mental and spiritual. It made me aware that downtime is as important as the ‘push.’”
Amanda Baldwin
President, Supergoop
The Book: Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
The Business Takeaway: “The president of Clinique gave me this book when I first started at the brand. The entire premise is why try to compete in ‘bloody red waters’ when you can find the ‘blue ocean’ aka be different, be unique, find your white space. I have always thought about this advice in every business I have worked on, and most especially at Supergoop!. When it comes to innovation, we like to say, if someone has done it before, why bother? It's a mantra that runs through everything we do, and you can't change the world by thinking any other way.
“I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention that I think it applies to a career too-—find what makes you stand out and harness that. The best career advice I ever got was to stop worrying about fixing what I wasn't good at and to start focusing on what I did uniquely well. Kind of like swimming in your own blue ocean.”
Yolanda Cooper
Founder, We Are Paradoxx
The Book: Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
The Business Takeaway: “I read this book as it's my goal to build a brand with creativity and innovation at its core so I wanted to learn how Pixar scaled the company to the heights it did whilst maintaining an inclusive, creative culture along the way. It didn’t so much ‘change my business’ rather it has helped me bear in mind some philosophies as we continue to grow.
“For example, Catmull believes that a company’s organizational structure should not mirror its communication structure and that true creativity and potential can come from everyone. So, there should be an open communication structure across the whole business to support ideation. The biggest piece of advice I took and would recommend to others is that the cost of preventing errors is more than the cost of fixing them so don’t be afraid to be bold and take risks as they just might pay off!”
Raisa Mirza
Founder, Rella Beauty
The Book: Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba.
The Business Takeaway: “At first, I was a little apprehensive to read this book because I felt like I had read a few female-focused entrepreneurial books that all sounded very similar to each other. I didn’t want to read something that was cheesily motivational. As I started reading, I realized that Cara hit on so many things that I often dwell on in my own mind—negative thoughts, fear of failure, female connections, competition, backhanded compliments, the list goes on. I read her book at a time where I was second-guessing myself, what did I get myself into?!. There were moments where I questioned our brand's beautiful mission: for every lipstick purchased, we give one to a woman in need. Cara blatantly says so many things that I needed to hear (and still need to hear).
“While some might be obvious, it affected me to hear it from someone who wasn’t my husband or my friend or my mom. I needed to hear from a fellow female entrepreneur that everything I think and feel is normal and it’s okay. So much of what she says pop up like little lit up billboards in my head when I’m veering down a path of self-doubt. There have been the weeks where I’ve sent hundreds of emails and gotten no response—those have been moments where I’ve wanted to throw my hands up. Cara says, ‘[female entrepreneurs] send that email. They make that phone call. They follow up a thousand times. They don’t take rejections to heart; in fact, it only makes them work harder… successful women don’t wait for an invitation. They invite themselves to the party.’
“I strive to be that woman, I want to carve out my success and reading this pushed me to believe that it’s okay if I send 100 emails and hear nothing, and it’s okay if I follow up 1000 times. I have nothing to lose, only to gain. As she says, if I persevere from a place of passion, failure won’t reach me—this keeps me going, every day. The idea of bringing the gift of beauty to women who don't have access to it excites and motivates me, I have to keep that passion alive.”
Sarah Belzer
President, Coconu
The Book: Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski.
The Business Takeaway: "Though I appreciate all the business and self-help books out there, I'm not talking about either. The book that changed my business is about the female experience of sex! Emily Nagoski wrote Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, and reading it really helped me understand the nature of and challenges to feminine sexuality. Even though I am a woman with my own experience, understanding the science behind it and the variety of experience was a game-changer for focusing on my customer and aligning my company's mission.
“The book informed our goal to empower women and make it easier for them to be self-directed in their intimate relationships. Coconu sells all-natural, safe and effective personal lubricants, but our business is really about helping women increase their confidence and capacity for connection, intimacy, and pleasure in all areas of life."
Amy Lacey
Founder, Cali'Flour Foods
The Book: Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller
The Business Takeaway: "This was a game-changer for Cali'flour Foods. I truly believe that when we made the conscious decision to make our customers the hero, our business boomed in e-commerce. This book focuses on building relationships that laid a strong foundation for us both internally and externally. We focused on the customer and our ‘why’ and the finances took care of themselves. We did exactly what the book said in regards to clarifying our message so that the customers will listen, and boy did they. Our sales skyrocketed in 2017 and have continued to grow ever since.”
Jordana Kier
Co-founder, LOLA
The Book: Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock
The Business Takeaway: “Laszlo Bock, the author of Work Rules!, previously ran Google's people organization and shares a lot of wisdom in this book. Bock provides actionable insights on how to build, develop, and maintain the culture of a company. He says, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’ and after building the team at LOLA for the past five years, I can't emphasize enough how true that is! The people you hire to help you grow your business should be smart and talented, but tantamount to those traits is the ability to live up to the company's core values and contribute in ways that go above and beyond a functional skillset. This book reaffirmed my aspiration to build our company deliberately and meaningfully and to prioritize and nurture our culture of community and empathy as we grow.”
Girl’s Night In—The Delicious Fall Cocktails Our C&C Team Is Shaking Up
GNI.
As the crisp air starts to settle in, we’re swapping our heels for slippers and putting the rosé down for delicious fall-inspired cocktails instead. It’s time to start planning cozy evenings, entertaining friends indoors over going out. Want to know what our C&C team favorites are? We’re sharing our fall go-to cocktails we’re shaking up at home for a girl’s night in.
First up: Ketel One Botanical varietals—a first-of-its-kind, 100 perfect non-GMO grain vodka, distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences—for a fresh-tasting cocktail that will warm your spirit. Not only are these cocktails delicious, but Ketel One Botanical has no carbs, no artificial flavors, no added sugar, and no artificial sweeteners. What’s not to love?
Take a look below for the best ingredients you need to mix with our favorites.
Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director
What I’m Making: The Bitter Mule
Why I Love It: “This is the perfect drink for fall because it has a sweet, yet sour flavor and it’s packed with fresh vitamin C (which we all need this time of year!). You can also swap in soda water if you want to cut back on the sugar.”
The Ingredients:
1 lemon, squeezed
1 oz Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom
1 cup ginger beer or soda water
Splash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
1-2 springs of mint
The Directions:
Add all ingredients with ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds.
Pour into a stemmed wine glass and add a splash of bitters for taste.
Garnish with mint.
Adry Perez, Social Media Manager
What I’m Making: Peachy Clean
Why I Love It: “It’s bursting with fresh fruit flavors but isn’t too sweet (which I love) and the hint of mint really adds a fresh zing with every sip.”
The Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom
3 oz. Fever Tree Soda Water
1 tsp. raw honey (optional)
4-5 peach slices
4-5 lemon slices
1-2 sprigs mint
The Directions:
Muddle peach and lemon slices in a cocktail shaker to combine.
Add Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom, honey (optional) and ice, shake well.
Pour contents of shaker in a wine glass over fresh ice and top with club soda.
Garnish with peach and lemon slices as well as a sprig of mint.
Dre Reyes, Senior Marketing Associate
What I’m Making: Smell the Roses
Why I Love It: “I love the scent of rose so I was dying to try a rose-flavored cocktail.”
The Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom
3 oz. grapefruit juice
2 tsp. of Torani Rose Flavoring Syrup
4-5 rose petals
1 cup of ice
The Directions:
Add Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom, grapefruit juice, rose syrup, and ice. Shake well.
Pour contents of shaker in a wine glass over fresh ice and top with club soda.
Garnish with rose petals for extra flare!
Finances Have you Frustrated? Have No Fear, Podcasts Are Here!
Money matters.
Written by Jackie Sedley.
Money. It’s a short word that stands for one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of our day-to-day lives. There is no denying that some of us are more money-minded than others, but by no means should anyone feel guilty or ashamed for having trouble with their finances. Thankfully, those of us who are more financially educated and experienced have taken to the oh-so-convenient world of podcasting to share their tips and tricks. From financial advice to financial slip-ups, these podcasts can inspire and motivate you to feel less ashamed and more capable.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
The Podcast: The Real Female Entrepreneur
Why We Recommend It: This podcast really hones in on the less-glorifying aspects of the business. Host Lauren Frontiera brings about conversations of failures, fears, triumphs and struggles, all packed into hour-long episodes. This podcast is great for anyone who feels insecure about their financial struggles, as it brings about a sense that you are not alone.
Best Money Tip: Prioritize passion over a paycheck. On TRFE 218: Follow Your Passion, Not the Paycheck with JJ Anderson they discuss the consequences of putting money on too high of a pedestal. “People prioritize monetary gain over enjoyment… especially as entrepreneurs” she told TRFE. “ I know the end goal is to make money, and it will come if you’re consistent and you’re strong in what you’re doing. But if your sole focus is making money, it’s not going to get you out of bed. What’s going to get you out of bed is your passion and your happiness in what you’re doing.” But this is our favorite JJ Anderson quote from the episode: ”The amount you’re being paid does not validate you.” Preach.
The Podcast: WSJ Secrets of Wealthy Women
Why We Recommend It: Every Tuesday, host Veronica Dagher enlightens listeners with empowering conversations revolving around finance and professional success. This women-centric podcast brings up a wide array of female success-stories, from self-made entrepreneurs to philanthropic advocates. With such a diverse assortment of guests, it isn’t hard to find an episode that you can relate to.
Best Money Tip: Stay true to you. In the episode Dr. Laura Forese: Changing the Future of Women’s Healthcare Dr. Forese advises, “Be true to your own brand. Be true to yourself. Don’t try and emulate anything else. I think having a distinct identity is very important when thinking of your brand, but ultimately making sure that your ethos makes sense and that it’s true to who you are. You’re not putting something out there just because you think people are going to love it, you’re putting it out there because you know it’s the right direction to go and it makes you happy.”
The Podcast: The Biz Chix Podcast: Female Entrepreneurs
Why We Recommend It: This podcast is less about learning from others’ stories, and more about uncovering your own methods to financial success. Host Natalie Eckdahl is a well-known author and coach and has used her background in business to promote the importance of growth, adaptability, and team-building.
Best Money Tip: Reset your mindset. According to Episode 360: Why We Create Our Own Glass Ceilings women are scared to charge more for their products due to fears of judgment and scarcity. In response to this issue, host Natalie Eckdahl feels as though, “our mindsets need to be continuously reset as we up-level and advance in our businesses.” She suggests that confidence is key in making a profit and continuing to know the worth of your project.
The Podcast: Inspired Money
Why We Recommend It: Hosted by financial advisor Andy Wang, this podcast brings inspiration and motivation into the financial success conversation. Aiming to shift listeners’ perspectives on money, the interviews that Wang conducts are both informative and captivating and will be sure to stick with you the next time you pull out your wallet.
Best Money Tip: Be thoughtful with your dollars. On Buy the Change You Want to See With Jane Mosbacher Morris, she emphasizes that “not only should there be alignment with your values and your purchasing decisions, but also knowing that how you spend your money and who you spend your money with can significantly impact the lives of others.”
What are your favorite money podcasts? Share the link below with your top money tip so we can all tune in!
C&C Classifieds: Tory Burch Foundation, Grubhub, SoundCloud, & More!
Hey, Chicago & NYC job seekers! Peep these 🔥 marketing jobs.
Hey, Chicago & NYC job seekers! Peep these 🔥 marketing jobs.
Tory Burch Foundation - New York, NY
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Slow Stories: "My Best Ideas Happen When I'm Offline"—Nichole Powell of Kinfield
Why taking a slower approach to content is essential.
One of the best ways we can inspire actionable change is to lead by example. In fact, many of the women I've spoken with on the Slow Stories podcast are innately championing more thoughtful processes across the board. Nichole Powell of Kinfield is one of these game-changing businesswomen. And to celebrate the recent launch of Slow Stories Podcast season three, I'm thrilled to share an exclusive follow-up portion of my chat with Nichole here on the C&C blog.
To preface the below interview, Nichole is the Founder and CEO of Kinfield—a modern wellness brand that is creating great essentials for the great outdoors. With her previous professional endeavors (which include leading business development at Modern Citizen), Nichole has extensive experience in building memorable brands. In this episode, we spoke more about how Nichole is translating her industry knowledge into this exciting new chapter, the importance of creating (and living) with intention, and why taking a slower approach to content is essential.
Enjoy the full episode here and discover even more insights from Nichole below.
Why is it important to slow down as a digitally-minded founder? Can you share an instance of when slowing down inspired innovation at work?
“As a founder, I receive more digital notifications now than I ever have in my life—emails, text messages, Slack, app notifications. It can be overwhelming! If you spend your entire day responding to inbound notifications, then you never have an opportunity to reflect or create. My best ideas happen when I'm offline, so I try to build space into each day and week to allow myself the time to do that.
“Sometimes it's as small as taking a 20-minute walk around the block and intentionally leaving my phone behind, while other times, I'm able to get away for a day or a long weekend to hike and reset in nature. I always come back from those moments refreshed and re-energized, with plenty of new ideas.”
What would you say are the pillars of "slow" content?
“When creating, ask yourself is my content,
1. Genuine? The most interesting content comes from a genuine perspective—why do you want to share this message? Why now?
2. Unique? This is something we've considered carefully at Kinfield. Any number of brands or websites could give you content like ‘5 Great Places to Eat Dinner Outside in Brooklyn.’ We wanted to push ourselves as a team to develop our own unique voice and to be able to say something different and new.
3. Thoughtfully edited? Time is the most precious gift that someone can give you. If they're taking the time to read or take in what you've created, be respectful of that and edit thoughtfully. Give them the very best.”
In our podcast episode, you talked about making space for vulnerability in brand storytelling. What are your tips for fellow brand builders looking to do this in a way that makes sense for their community?
“Vulnerability can be intimidating, especially for new brands who might be worried about saying something different or even potentially controversial. But the best content comes from a genuine place, and that often involves some vulnerability. Take comfort in knowing that there will inevitably be missteps or times when you share something and immediately have doubts (I don't believe in regrets), but that the authentic community that gathers around that vulnerability and soulful storytelling will be well worth it.”
Do you have any parting words of wisdom that you would like to share regarding slowing down, creating enduring content strategies, or building a conscious business?
“Consider people first—your community, your team, yourself. An authentic connection happens when you take the time to slow down, have a meaningful conversation, listen carefully, and reflect thoughtfully. It is from there that a conscious community is created.”
About the Author
Rachel Schwartzmann is the Founder and CEO of The Style Line LLC. She created The Style Line in late January 2011 via Tumblr and has fostered The Style Line’s brand in its growth since then. Rachel has been featured in esteemed sources including Forbes, Refinery29, and MyDomaine and has also spoken at Create & Cultivate and Columbia University on establishing a unique brand point of view and entrepreneurship. On October 1, 2015, Rachel took The Style Line in a new direction as a boutique content company with the introduction of its slow content agency CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL.
Start Planning Now—What to Expect at Our First-Ever Small Business Summit in NYC
We’re packing our coats and heading to NYC for our first ever Small Business Summit presented by Mastercard and our C&C team can’t wait to share this experience with you guys. With a jam-packed day of small business gurus, knowledge droppings, pop-up shopping, and yummy food eating, it’s going to be one heck of a ride. So, buckle up and get ready for what’s to come. Before we give away too much, follow along to see what the day has in store.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Parking
Our Small Business Summit event location doesn’t include on-site parking, however, there are paid lots nearby. We encourage you to take advantage of the city’s incredible public transport or ride-sharing to set yourself up for a day of success.
Registrations
When checking-in on the day of the event, you will receive your access badge and schedule card outlining the day ahead. Make sure you have your ID so we are able to give you with badge without any hold up!
*Note that we won’t have coat check on site, so plan accordingly!
Help?
If you need assistance throughout the day or have accessibility needs, then we’re only too happy to accommodate. Just look out for the friendly faces wearing super cute pink tees with the saying “Her Impact Is Priceless” on the back at the event.
Bathrooms & Pump Room
We have bathrooms located on both floors of the event venue—and they look super chic thanks to Cora! The pump room will be located on the first level as well.
Our events fly by, so we suggest planning ahead see below for all the amazing activities!
LOCATION
Hudson Mercantile
500 W 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
C&C INSIDERS’ PERKS
Our Insiders’ members get a ton of on-site perks and Small Business Summit is no exception. Not an insider yet? Well, don’t miss out—you can sign up here and pick up your membership kit at the Insiders Info Desk on level 1 at the event.
If you are a member, here is a rundown of what you can expect as a C&C insider in NYC and beyond:
Hate waiting in line? Receive expedited check-in, and front of the line access to the Bumble Bizz headshot studio.
You’ll have priority seating at the main stage (yup, that means front row).
Exclusive Meet & greet with Jaclyn Johnson, Sonja Rasula, Courtney Quinn, Lisa price, Puno Dostres, and Ali Kriegsman.
We have some special swag for you at the C&C Insiders Info Desk to pick up on-site.
Skipped a panel to explore the pop-ups and activations? Insiders get access to all the panel footage after the event on your C&C Insiders dashboard.
SCHEDULE
Want the full lineup? Check out the play-by-play schedule to map out your big day. It’s going to be huge so we recommend getting a head start on planning out your day now.
LEVEL 1
Mastercard Female Small Business Marketplace
We partnered with Mastercard to hand select some incredible small businesses to showcase their incredible product lines at our Small Business Summit. Come and show your support for these amazing ventures. They’re located in the Mastercard Female Small Business Marketplace on Level 1.
The businesses include Bliss Lau jewelry, YES I AM CLOTHING premium apparel and accessories, Coco and Breezy fashionable eyewear, East Oliva Creative floral design, goldno.8 customizable bags, Found Herbal Apothecary plant-based remedies, Teressa Foglia handmade hats, Maison Visionnaire fragrances and diffusers, Cheeky Monkey Home pillows and accessories, and Shhhowercap shower caps with personality.
Bumble Bizz puts the fun into networking and business building. Set up your Bumble Bizz profile (if you haven’t already) before arriving so you can have your free professional headshot taken at the Bumble Bizz pop-up studio. Bumble Pro Tip: Change your radius on Bumble Bizz to one mile to match with other attendees on-site for the ultimate networking experience.
Insiders Info Desk
Grab your C&C swag at the Insiders booth. It’s not too late! You can also sign up here if you aren’t a member yet.
LEVEL 6
Cora
Your bathroom experience will be exponentially more enjoyable thanks to our friends at Cora. Snag some of their femine product located in the bathrooms on-site that are ethically sourced and free of pesticides. This bathroom is so chic you’ll want to take a selfie.
Mastercard x MADE featuring Fred Segal and Lot Stock & Barrel
The Mastercard x MADE capsule collection with female designer partner, Lot Stock & Barrel, and Fred Segal thrives on its industrial feel which coincides with the workmanship behind the brand. Come experience the work that goes on behind the scenes and order custom prints and embroiders that they can watch the artists create. Each guest can order a custom embroider or screen transfer and watch as Lot Stock & Barrel makes their piece in this ‘workshop’.
Boost your biz by upping your businesses' Facebook game. Facebook’s new Boost initiative will equip you with the digital skills you need to grow your small business and you can come see for yourself at their pop-up. You won’t want to miss this one.
Wearing the latest trends just got easier thanks to Haverdash—an online style streaming subscription service that gives women access to fashion rentals for a monthly fee. You won’t have to worry about costly shipping, returns, or dry cleaning because Haverdash has you covered. Come see what all the fuss is about at their pop-up and sign yourself up on-site with help from their team.
Microsoft Teams
Check out our mini-documentary to see how the C&C team brings events to life with the Microsoft Teams feature. While you’re there, hover your phone over their custom QR code at the pop-up for the chance to win some free swag.
PicMonkey
Up your IG game with the PicMonkey team. They’ll help you shoot a professional IG moment at their pop-up and you’ll even receive the edits in real-time along with a cute PicMonkey template. You won’t be leaving empty-handed either—grab some PicMonkey swag before your next panel.
Shop Create & Cultivate
Who couldn’t use more organization in their life? This fall we partnered with At-A-Glance to create a line of career-focused office accessories and planning tools for women making moves available exclusively at Target. Preview select products and shop the full line of affordable planners, notebooks, calendars, and clipfolios at the Shop Create & Cultivate pop-up.
Don’t miss out on the beautiful floral arrangements all over the event like the one added to the stellar IG moment on level 6 provided by and Afloral and East Olivia Creative.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
BREAKFAST
Start your day off the right way with a Bumpin Blends DIY Oatmeal bar. Choose from one of three flavors and top it off with some yummy topping.
Please note, all types of oatmeal contains nuts.*
Supercharge your morning with delicious cold brew served by Chameleon Cold-Brew at their designated caffeine bar.
LUNCH
Eat clean with a deliciously healthy Urban Remedy salad of your choice with two loaded options! And don’t forget while grabbing your salad to snag a bag of Beanfields bean chips.
Please note, both options contain nuts.*
Feeling thirsty? Grab a delicious Watermelon Wonder slushy from the The Goods Mart slushies machine.
BREAK
Beyond Meat is back and whipping up our favorite meatless burgers. Nom, nom!
BEVERAGES
Thirsty? We’ll have CORE Water, Sweet Reason CBD Sparkling Water, and LaCroix on hand throughout the day!
HAPPY HOUR
Sip on some cocktails served by Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker while you network. And of course, our favorite Rosé sparkling wine will be served up by Chandon, too!
Who said yummy couldn’t be vegan?! Baked by Melissa will be serving a variety of the famous vegan mini cupcakes you all know and love—healthy and delicious!
Get your sweet tooth fix with the insanely moorish cookies by Gooey on the Inside. We’re definitely going to bring some of these back to L.A. with us!
GIFT BAGS
We know you want ‘em! Get your shoulder ready for gift bags filled with goodies from some of your favorite brands like Bombas and POOSH. Please note, gift bags are only available at the end of the night. Pick them up at registration on the first floor (where you checked in at the beginning of the day) in exchange for your badge. So, please keep in mind, if you have to jet off early and want to collect your bag on the way out, you’ll also be forfeiting your right to come back in.
Get prepped ahead of next weekend’s conference and stay tuned for updates by following along on our social at @createcultivate and use the hashtag #ccsmallbizsummit to keep in touch!
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU IN NYC! Who are you most excited to see? Share in the comments below!
How to Enhance Your Mental Wellness at Work (and Be Happier and Healthier)
You don’t even need to be in an office to practice these.
Wellness at work. For some, wellness is work and work is wellness. For others, wellness and work rarely enter the same sentence. As a holistic psychologist, I am a strong advocate of creating wellness in all parts of life. The average person spends the majority of their life at work, and about half of the population cites work as their most significant stressor. Bringing wellness into the workplace has become more important than ever as workplaces become increasingly demanding and the line between work and home becomes blurred.
We spend much of our time in places of work, engaging in work tasks, and thinking about work, so a large portion of our mental wellness is wrapped up in our work lives. In contrast, most wellness tips, tricks, trends, and routines are geared towards the time we spend outside of work. Our healthy breakfast nutrition, our morning workout class, our evening fun with loved ones, our post-work yoga class, our morning meditation, and our skincare routine all get more attention than the important topic of how we cultivate wellness at work.
I’m a supporter of all of those healthy choices we make outside of work, as I believe that every part of our health is inherently connected. And, to be truly holistically healthy and thriving, we have to intentionally integrate mental wellness into our workday as well.
While there can be many uncontrollable aspects of one’s work life, we all have many access points for enhancing our own mental wellness that exist within our power. Read on for five scientifically-backed strategies that are always accessible to us to boost mental wellness in the work day. Let’s start with ways to enhance mood and mental wellness even before getting to work.
Thankful Route to Work
Each day many of us embark on a commute to work. Some of us drive long distances, some cram into bustling subways, some have short strolls, and some simply move rooms in their home. Whatever our journey to our work day entails, there’s an incredible opening of opportunity to make it meaningful part of our day. If we intentionally note three things we are thankful for along the path to work, we are choosing to set up our work day mindset in a positive tone. It could be your coffee in hand, the smile on a fellow commuter's face, or simply your own body for getting you where you need to go. Research shows that bringing thankfulness into awareness in the moment releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, setting you up for a happier work day.
Here are some top tips for how to maintain, sustain, or rejuvenate mental wellness throughout the workday:
Pause
Mindfulness has become a popular workplace wellness strategy, and for good reason. Taking a moment to intentionally bring awareness to the breath actually deactivates our stress response and activates our emotional and cognitive processing center. Even just becoming aware of what it feels like in the body to take four long deep breaths is associated with increased joy and productivity and decreased stress.
Hydrate
Our brain and body need fuel to function optimally. If we want to feel well during our work day, we need to fuel well. While nutrition plays a crucial role in our mental wellness, hydration is the first step. When we are dehydrated, our brains become anxious and stressed. Drinking water plentifully throughout the day makes for an easy and impactful wellness boost.
Connect
Our brains thrive off connection. When we feel connected, the same parts of our brain that register physical safety light up. If work entails being around others, take a moment to smile at someone, or exchange a friendly conversation with eye contact. These little moments of connectivity actually activate the reward circuitry in the brain. If there’s no one around to connect with, turn to the surroundings. Creating a connection with nature daily comes with documented mental health benefits, such as calming our nervous system. Try smelling the plants in the work space or taking a quick break to walk outside and simply look up at the sky (that’s my personal NYC nature connection).
While many don’t have a distinct end point to the work day anymore, it’s important to mark the work day at some point in the evening to honor the efforts of the day and set intentions for the next day:
Attend to Good
Attention is like a spotlight in the brain - whatever we shine it on becomes brighter. By intentionally noticing the good in the day, the brain is being trained to see more good in the future. Even on a challenging day, noting a few small glimmers of gold in the day allows the brain to calm it’s stress response and makes the brain more likely to look for goodness in the next day.
When we integrate mental wellness strategies into work life, we not only enhance our overall life satisfaction and mental health, we also enhance our functioning, productivity, and creativity at work.
By: Ellie Cobb, Ph.D., Holistic Psychologist, Grounded & Gold
About the Author
Ellie Cobb, Ph.D. is a Holistic Psychologist, Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher, Director of Psychology for Thankful, and Founder of Wellness Company *Grounded & Gold.* She is a published researcher and author, and she teaches, writes, & gives talks and workshops around the country to spread her passion for empowering others to improve their own wellbeing through scientifically-back mental wellness & holistic health.
This post was originally published on October 10, 2018, and has since been updated.
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Want a Chance to Win a $1,000 Shopping Spree From Joss & Main? Enter Now!
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There’s no denying the power of your environment on your productivity and creativity—even science agrees. And we have experienced this change first-hand. After our own C&C Clubhouse was re-designed, the entire team felt even more inspired and motivated to create something spectacular.
We have Joss & Main to thank for helping us design an of-the-moment co-working space that fuses fashion and function. We’re really into their furniture and décor—it balances the modern aesthetic we love with a classic twist. And their curated collection of office essentials is no exception. Whether your business is taking that first big leap and moving into an office or you’re looking to refresh your own office, Joss & Main is our go-to for designing a space to inspire your next big idea.
And today, we’re thrilled to announce that one lucky person will win a $1000 shopping spree at Joss & Main to design their own dream office as well as a one-year-long digital membership to C&C Insiders. So enter below for your chance to win—good Luck!
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From Scratch: How One Founder Is Giving the Beauty Biz a Makeover, One Natural Ingredient at a Time
“If you don’t truly love your own product or believe in your own brand, people will know.”
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.
“Always be your own biggest fan. If you don’t truly love your own product or believe in your own brand, people will know.”
Lauren Jin, Founder, CLE Cosmetics
In the highly saturated industry of cosmetics, there is an abundance of brands that sell makeup to look good but, what about makeup that is designed to feel good, on both the skin and the mind? Sounds groundbreaking but disruption wasn’t part of the plan for CLE Cosmetics founder Lauren Jin. Her objective was simple: to create quality beauty products that nurture your skin and enhance your natural beauty, not hide it—disruption was a side effect.
Using all naturally-sourced and cruelty-free ingredients, Jin’s brand mission is based upon the concepts of universal beauty, transparency, and the allure of individuality. Initially pursuing a career in fashion, Jin switched gears and started from scratch, setting out on a mission to redefine beauty with a brand that celebrates all facets of femininity.
Among the many factors of CLE that set it apart from other beauty companies, the cosmetics brand derives inspiration from Korean Beauty technology and prides itself on the quality of its unique ingredients. Jin aims to make CLE’s products dual-purpose, creating makeup that looks great while making your skin feel great.
By selling products that invite customers to embrace their inner feminine, Jin has created a brand that stands out among a sea of more conventional cosmetic brands. In this feature of From Scratch, Jin clues us in on the unconventional beauty of taking the road less traveled.
Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics
Did you write a business plan? If yes, was it helpful? If no, what else did you use instead? Why did you not take that approach?
“I’m not sure if it counts as an official business plan, but I created a yearly goal and a list of things that I wanted to achieve. From there, I worked backward to solidify a step-by-step plan to execute these goals. Of course, over the years, I’ve had to tweak the plan as I went along. However, I’ve found that creating a concrete list of goals and plans has not only given me a strategy forward but also confidence in myself.
“I had to chart out each specific quarter of the business—one of my goals was to break even within five years through retail partnerships and sales. Though this felt daunting given that my background wasn’t in business, I felt that I had the right intuition to move forward. So, I honed in on that intuition instead of taking on a more conventional approach. Previously, I studied womenswear at Parsons and the Royal College of Arts in London, then went on to work for brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim and VPL, where I learned about business infrastructure. I saw the inner workings of their business operations, as well as what it takes to create a company’s culture. I had the experience of working at VPL, which was quite a niche, as well as Phillip Lim, an international brand. Though the companies’ goals were mainstream, experiencing each department at these companies like it was its own individual design house was invaluable to me.
“VPL folded in the mid-2000s because the founder/designer and the financial advisor didn’t share the same vision. After that experience, I’ve been extremely careful to create a brand that seamlessly marries both the creative vision and business goals. My goal now is to lead the brand for ten years, then revisit the overall business later on, especially if there are possible acquisitions. I believe that ten years will give us enough time to build a strong brand.
“My vision for CLE Cosmetics is not to be “the best,” then suddenly die out. I’d rather focus on slowly building the right foundation for the company—creating a true namesake brand, as well as a cult following. I’d like for CLE to stand as its own solid figure in the beauty industry. And honestly, it’ll take time to achieve that. Instead of any aggressive campaigning, such as billboard ads, I’d like to move the company forward in a strategic way. I also don’t want to be burdened by any external finances, so ideally, we’d work with angel investors and break even later on. Amidst the onslaught of beauty brands and the saturation in the industry, I believe that slow and steady wins the race.”
How did you come up with the name? What was the process like? How did you know it was the right name? What are some of the things you considered during that process?
“The name CLE occurred to me while I was walking around London. At the time, I was playing around with abstract words—I wanted to create something that didn’t have a specific definition and that wasn’t too complicated. Ideally, it’d be something light, airy, and quick to say. No fuss. I knew that CLE was the right name when I realized how easy it was to pronounce. It just rolls off the tongue and feels nice to hear out loud.
“However, it doesn’t mean anything—the brand, as a whole, embodies the name and meaning. Also, it’s not an acronym, but more of a representation of the community of people who use our products for its functionality and beautiful design.”
Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics
What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business? (Website domain/setup, trademark, name, business name listing social channels, etc)
“Once I settled on the name, I immediately checked to see if it was legally available to use. Thankfully, it was. I then signed up for a business license in Los Angeles, then secured the website domain and social media handles (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). After that, I worked with an attorney to set up the trademark, the corporation, and then the necessary infrastructure to hire a team.”
What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?
“The idea of CLE was actually a continuation of a concept that I’ve developed over the years as a womenswear designer. I’d highly recommend putting in the necessary prep work with extensive research, planning, and simply even letting yourself marinate on your concept. There’s value in taking a step back and revisiting your ideas with fresh eyes. By doing so, you’ll be able to back up your brand and its ethos that you’ve developed.
“Over the course of seven years, CLE was an ongoing idea of a certain woman that I envisioned in my mind. I didn’t research any competitors because the brand was an extremely personal concept for me. I think I’m better off for doing so, because it was only me, and there’s only one of me. Ultimately, I was able to keep the brand true to who I am, instead of being influenced by any other competitors in the industry.“
Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics
How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use? Did you have any bad experiences? What did you learn? What advice do you have for other founders looking for a trustworthy manufacturer?
”Luckily, I haven’t had any bad experiences. I’ve had some hiccups on production timelines, but that came about more from unforeseen circumstances. The best advice I can give is to make sure that you find people with excellent communication within their company structure. By doing so, they’ll be able to relay information and updates as quickly as possible to you. Efficient communication is definitely the key to working with others.
“In South Korea, the manufacturers are very open to working with new businesses. They’ll try anything you want, so long as you’re able to clearly communicate with them. Of course, it helped that I’m fluent in Korean!
I’ve learned that the product development phase is crucial. Our Melting Lip Powder was our first product, and it took over one year to make. While the technology was there from the start, we had to ensure that the product launched with the correct shades.”
Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? Why/Why not? What would you recommend?
”Luckily, I was able to raise funding for the company with an angel investor, who’s been very supportive from the start. There wasn’t any seed money involved. The difference between both is that an angel investor allows for freedom by being pretty hands-off. As CLE’s CEO and creative visionary, I’m thankful that we started off in this way because it’s enabled me to build a brand on my own terms. Venture capitalists would’ve wanted to take control of the brand, so I’m thankful that I can maintain autonomy over it.”
How much did you pay yourself? How did you know what to pay yourself?
”Based on my past freelance work experiences as a student, I came to a conclusion of what my pay per hour should be. I then calculated that on a monthly and yearly basis, which gave me a good idea of how much I should be paid.”
“Lately, we’re interested in the women who aren’t just conventionally beautiful, but are unique. We want to reach a specific demographic of women who were real—your everyday girl.”
How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like?
”Our team is still very small—we have two full-time employees and two freelancers. I was fortunate to meet some bold individuals who actually reached out to me about an opportunity at CLE first. I’ve seen that hiring can be very organic, where the right people will come onto the brand at the right time.
“I’ve also had the previous experience of trying to hire through a recruiting site but would get discouraged by some candidates who weren’t right for our company culture. Ultimately, it’s about finding the individuals that align with your brand ethos. I’ve found the best candidates when I’ve tapped into my own network of contacts. And as I mentioned earlier, one of my employees reached out to me organically, and we eventually hired her to join the team full-time. So, a lot of it falls on the right timing and a bit of luck.”
Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up? What do you recommend (programs etc) / advice do you have for that?
”Yes, hiring a third-party accountant was one of the first steps I made. I also made some financial decisions from simply learning as I went and researching as much as I could into any relevant topics. My advice would be to have a clear budget, but not be completely bound to it. I’d also be very cognizant of it while planning out the rest of the business. Also, just start anywhere! I used Excel.”
What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing a business?
“The biggest learning curve has not only been managing my team but also myself. I’ve often neglected my own personal needs while trying to establish this business. I became so focused on building this brand that I started to put my own self on the back burner for the majority of my time.”
Photo: Courtesy of CLE Cosmetics
How did you get retailers to start stocking your product? Were you told no?
”Since I changed industries by starting CLE Cosmetics, it was difficult to find stockists at first because I didn’t have the right connections for it. So, I took the traditional route of going to trade shows and forging my own connections from the ground up. We’ve definitely gotten our fair share of no’s, but have learned from them and have moved onto other opportunities. Overall, I try to keep a positive outlook on these things—if a retailer says no, I believe that it wasn’t meant to be.”
Do you have a business coach or mentor? How has this person helped? Would you recommend one? How do you get one?
”I don’t have a business coach. Instead, I look up to women such as Stella McCartney, who has found success despite all the preconceived notions about her. Phoebe Philo is another example of someone who’s stayed true to herself. At the height of her career at Chloé, she took time off to be with her kids, then came back to take the helm at Céline. There shouldn’t be fear around spending time with your family, then reentering the workforce. I admire these qualities in these two women—how they carry themselves, how genuine they seem, and how they’ve excelled in both their career and personal lives.”
“Overall, I try to keep a positive outlook on these things—if a retailer says no, I believe that it wasn’t meant to be.”
How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz? Did you know anything about marketing before this venture?
”Our main source of press and marketing was Instagram, at first. I quickly came to understand that Instagram was the best platform to spread brand awareness. Fortunately, I was able to work with freelancers and third-party agencies to help me with this marketing, as I didn’t know much about it in the beginning.
“Lately, we’re interested in women who aren’t just conventionally beautiful but are unique. We want to reach a specific demographic of women who were real—your everyday girl. The type of woman who’s natural, effortless, and doesn’t want or need to pile on the makeup. We want to speak to the working woman who wears makeup for all-day wear, as well as the fun, quirky woman who appreciates more of the creative aspects of makeup. We also honed in on micro-influencers, who, on their own, are big influences in their own communities. We’ve never gone for top-tier influencers.”
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’d advise any new business owners to always think two steps ahead—whether that’s in planning, product development, press schedules, as well as any foreseeable speed bumps along the way. I also wish that we had focused more on brick and mortar opportunities for our consumers to experience our products in a tactile way. You just don’t get the same experience on an e-commerce website. I also wish that we had a better video strategy—we’ve focused on educational video content, but we’re not seeing the lift from it yet.”
For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have?
“My advice would be to always be your own biggest fan. If you don’t truly love your own product or believe in your own brand, people will know.”
C&C Classifieds: Dermaflash, Bird, Google & More!
These jobs are a dream. Apply now!
These jobs are a dream. Apply now!
Daffodil Digital- San Francisco, CA
Social Digital Marketing Coordinator
DERMAFLASH - Chicago, IL
Office Manager/Executive Assistant
Informa - New York, NY and Santa Monica, CA
Sales Operations Coordinator (NYC)
Sales Operations Coordinator (LA)
Create & Cultivate - Los Angeles, CA
Digital Trends - Chicago, IL
Behind the Chair - Chicago, IL
Social Media Marketing Associate
PITCH - Los Angeles, CA
Bird - Los Angeles, CA
Google - Los Angeles, CA
Pursuit - New York, NY
Shoprunner - New York, NY
It’s Here! Our Brand New Product Line Is the Ultimate Work Hack—Shop It Now
We discovered the secret to getting it done.
We’re all familiar with the phrase ‘look good, feel good’ but have you ever considered that concept in relation to your productivity at work? We’re not talking about physical appearances or work attire either. We’re talkin’ about a stylish career-focused collection of office accessories and planning tools for women making moves. Sounds strange, we know because how could stylish office tools have anything to do with enhancing our productivity, but hear us out. We believe in the power of aesthetics and that your surroundings have a significant impact on your efficiency at work and your wellbeing—science doesn’t lie!
So in honor of this philosophy—that practical and pretty equals increased productivity—we’re thrilled to announce something we’ve been dying to share with our C&C community. Say hello to Shop Create & Cultivate. Our product line of chic office accessories and planning tools has been designed for the modern working woman to create and cultivate the career of her dreams and it’s now available to purchase exclusively at Target. This insanely chic and colorful line of 26 game-changing products—14 planners, four calendars, six notebooks, and two clipboards—is the answer to your organizational rut and that little push you need to make your next major career move (no matter how big or small).
At C&C, our mission has always been clear—to help you turn your passion into a career and your side hustle into your main hustle with the right tools. That’s why we thought it was time to bring our community this innovative product line and we can’t wait for you to experience them and use them for yourself. Your lives and careers are nothing short of colorful and we think that your office accessories and planning tools should reflect that, too. Why be boring when you can be you?
So, what are you waiting for! Take an exclusive first look at the brand new, hot-off-the-press collection below and take your career to the next level. And if you want to share this amazing news with us, please use the hashtag #shopcreatecultivate with your top productivity hacks and follow us on Instagram for updates on new product launches at @shopcreatecultivate. Happy organizing!
“CREATE & CULTIVATE & CONQUER” 2020 CLOTH WEEKLY PLANNER (BLUE) - SMALL
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“CREATE & CULTIVATE & CONQUER” 2020 CLOTH WEEKLY PLANNER (PINK) - SMALL
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“SELF MADE” 2020 WIREBOUND WEEKLY PLANNER (GREEN) - SMALL
$13
“SELF MADE” 2020 WIREBOUND WEEKLY PLANNER (PINK) - SMALL
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“SELF MADE” WIREBOUND 2020 WEEKLY PLANNER - SMALL
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“MAKING MOVES” WIREBOUND 2020 WEEKLY PLANNER - SMALL
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“MAKING MOVES” 2020 CLOTH WEEKLY PLANNER - LARGE
$17
“SELF MADE” 2020 CLOTH WEEKLY PLANNER - LARGE
$17
“WOMAN WITH A PLAN” 2020 STITCHED MONTHLY PLANNER (PINK WAVE) - LARGE
$11
“WOMAN WITH A PLAN” 2020 STITCHED MONTHLY PLANNER (TEXTURED LEAVES) - LARGE
$11
“WOMAN WITH A PLAN” WIREBOUND WEEKLY PLANNER (PINK WAVE) - LARGE
$15
“WORK HARD, PLAN ON” WIREBOUND WEEKLY PLANNER (TEXTURED LEAVES) - LARGE
$15
2020 DESK CALENDAR
$8
“CREATE & CULTIVATE & CONQUER” 2020 OVERSIZED DESK CALENDAR
$10
2020 WALL CALENDAR WITH VISION BOARD
$15
2020 WIREBOUND WALL CALENDAR
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“ WOMAN WITH A PLAN ” FAUX LEATHER WIREBOUND NOTEBOOK (BLUE) - SMALL
“ WOMAN WITH A PLAN ” FAUX LEATHER WIREBOUND NOTEBOOK (PINK) - SMALL
“NOTES ON NOTES ON NOTES” STITCHED NOTEBOOK (TEXTURED LEAVES) - LARGE
NOTES ON NOTES ON NOTES” STITCHED NOTEBOOK (PINK WAVE) - LARGE
“MAKING MOVES” CLOTH NOTEBOOK - SMALL
“CREATE & CULTIVATE & CONQUER” CLOTH NOTEBOOK - SMALL
CLIPFOLIO (PINK)
CLIPFOLIO (STRIPE)
Easy Money: How to Afford the Life You Want (Even If You Don't Have a 6-Figure Salary)
This app is a gamechanger.
This post is in partnership with YNAB.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Are you familiar with the phrase “scroll head”? If not, here’s some slang 101: a scroll head is someone that aimlessly scrolls through social media, with no purpose at all. In the tech-driven world, we live in, it’s common to find ourselves subconsciously using apps that provide us with no beneficial outcome.
Some jaw-dropping data we found courtesy of Pew Research Center states that 81% of Americans own a smartphone and users between the ages of 18 to 29 are the most dependent on their devices. No real surprises there, but our question is, what are those young adults doing on their phones? Some likely guesses are scrolling through Instagram or texting their group chat. But what about budgeting their monthly income? Say, what? Well, after reading a recent survey that found most young millennials had less than $1,000 in their savings accounts—nearly half had nothing saved at all—we can only hope that they’re devoting some of that scroll time to getting their finances in order.
So, if this sounds like you and you haven’t yet implemented a money-saving strategy, then it’s high time you did. And for those who already have one (and want to up their game), this will interest you, too. Introducing the app that consciously sets you up for success—You Need A Budget (or YNAB for short).
Whether it’s a European vacation you’ve been postponing since graduation, a little more spending money to support your social life, or you simply want to start saving for the future—you need a budget. And it’s no mystery that budgeting can be a big monster to tackle. But, thankfully, YNAB is here to be your best money-saving friend and help you get to where you want to be, financially. It’s so easy.
To make matters even easier, we’re going to show you a break down of the YNAB app’s features with a visual guide below. Follow along to see why you need a budget (like right now!).
Be sure to read all the way to the end to take advantage of YNAB’s special offer for Create & Cultivater’s!
How to budget with YNAB:
We created a theoretical monthly budget for someone who would benefit greatly from YNAB. This person is a freelancer, who brings home $4,000 (after taxes) per month. With the rise of the gig economy, it’s been made prevalent that freelancers facilitating multiple streams of revenue have a more convoluted experience when managing money. So, we wanted to highlight what that might look like, in a way that is easy and beneficial to any and all potential users—freelance or not.
Download:
When you download the app, you are given the option for a trial month free. Once that month is over, they will charge your card info stored in the app store at the yearly rate of $83.99 to continue using. Note: While, at first, this might seem like a steep price to pay for an app, we can guarantee you, that when you see how much money you’re saving (and how much this app is doing to streamline your finances) you’ll understand why. Think about it, that’s just $6.99 a month to have a financial advisor in your pocket. Believe us, it’s worth it.
Link or unlink:
You’ll be given the option to link your bank account directly to the app or manually input your dollar amount to then start budgeting. This is up to your discretion. For the sake of our theoretical monthly budget for a freelancer, we chose to manually input the take-home of $4,000.
Your accounts:
You will see a screen with a list of your accounts. You can choose to add multiple budget plans here. For our example, there is one account titled “Monthly Budget”.
Your budget map:
Your budgeted amount inputted (or the amount reflecting your current bank account balance if you decided to link your bank account) will be highlighted in green at the top of the screen. And below that, you will see a list of expenses you wish to budget against. Your budget map is completely customizable and it’s up to you how you choose to label and allocate your spendings.
Expense categories and labeling:
You can change the names of the different expense categories along with the expense names themselves. We added “Hopeful Savings”, renamed some expense labels, and removed other default expenses that came with the app.
Allocating your preferred spending:
You choose how much you want to allocate to each expense. Below is what we came up with for our theoretical budget. You can edit these allocations as you go if things change for you and your money. The app will let you know when you are over budget by showing the negative amount at the top and highlighting it in red.
Other features:
Beyond the budgeting tactics and tools, there is also a help button that will provide you with any assistance and resources you might need on your way to budgeting. You can also view your “Age of Money” to see how long as well as how much you have been saving. The “Net Worth” function shows what your debts and assets amount to and for more insight into your money-saving success. For more help, check out their online resources and guidelines.
Conclusion:
Though you will have to invest some time (approximately 20 minutes) to input all of the figures, in the beginning, it will be worth your while. Once the setup is complete, it’s easy money. In this specific scenario, savings came out to $140 a month. Now, this might not sound like a lot of bills. But think about it, over a course of 12 months, that’s $1,680. And remember, your budget map is always adjustable. We just placed higher importance on the money for fun and clothing, rather than bigger savings. But, that is just one scenario. After seeing how much we had leftover after dividing up our money (the way we thought we should), we came to realize that maybe we should reset our budget map and reconsider how much we want to save each month. This was a blatant sign of why we should save!
This theoretical process was purely to show the capabilities and functionality of the app. It’s literally that easy to map out your spending on a monthly scale, and incredibly helpful to see what you think you should be spending on rather than the reality. The app allows for extensive customization and we couldn’t love it any more than we already do.
Saving money is incredibly important for a number of reasons, but as is treating yourself here and there. There is no passing of judgment on what you spend your money on, and the app reflects that entirely. Now get out there and start budgeting and don’t forget to make adjustments along the way!
SPECIAL OFFER:
YNAB is giving all Create & Cultivater’s the chance to try the game-changing app for 34 days FREE of charge. So, break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money to reach your goals. It’s your turn!
“Your Weaknesses Today Are Your Strengths Tomorrow”—and Other Awe-Inspiring Quotes From Our SF Conference
Last Saturday we headed to the bay to host our San Francisco conference and let us tell you, the energy and knowledge-dropping was unparalleled. Stationed on the corner of Market Street in the bustling city we all know and love, our event location SVN West held over 1,400 attendees for a day packed full of awesome panels, activations, and so much more. Prior to Saturday, we wanted to make sure we were getting connected with the SF community of influencers, movers, and shakers by holding a few pre-conference events. Shoutout to our generous hotel partner, Bei Hotel, who not only held and assisted us with events at their hotel, but also set us up for a successful weekend overall.
To ensure our team and attendees were ready for the conference, we held one of our favorite events to date at the gorgeous Assembly for an early workout session with Living Proof. Fast forward to Saturday morning, we hit the ground running with the poppin’ pop-up market, incredible speakers, and delicious food. But you know what they say? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and our attendees couldn't have made it through without the yummy breakfast provided by our friends at Olly. Having FOMO? Don’t fret—we have a rundown of all the key learnings and happenings below, just for you! Follow along for some insane tips and memorable quotes.
Keynote: Giuliana Rancic
Panelists:
Giuliana Rancic | TV Host, Founder, Fountain of Truth Clean Skincare
Moderator:
Michelle Lee | Editor-in-Chief, Allure
On realizing what really matters...
“The hardest part of my teenage years was dealing with scoliosis. I grew up crooked and that’s hard for a young girl. I was always in baggy clothes. I was always insecure because I looked and felt a certain way. It made me really work on what’s in here.(points to herself). I was able to build a sense of humor, personality, and all these great attributes that helped me later in life. Thank God for that whole experience because I was able to create what I really needed in life and the real attributes that matter.”
“I would not change a thing about that. I would still go back to being crooked. That shaped who I was, made me realize when you don’t look a certain way you go inward.”
On her best advice...
“Your weaknesses today are your strengths tomorrow.”
“We all have talents. If you can take that natural ability and turn that into a business, look at that first. When you’re naturally good at something, you can master it at a quicker pace and it doesn’t feel like work.”
“Love what you do and what you’re good at.”
“Go with your gut. Go with your intuition. Try something different. If it’s not working, flip it on its side. Throw everything at the wall and see what sticks.”
“Ask yourself ‘where do you want to be in 10 years 20 years?’ Then reverse engineer that.”
“It’s easy to get caught up in the bad, but you have to focus on the good.”
On her definition of success…
“Success is different for every person. First step: What does success mean to you? Going out and getting it.”
“For me success is truly personal fulfilment and professional fulfillment, but the key word being fulfillment.”
On her journalism career’s inspiration...
“I thought I would do hard news. All my stories had a fun and quirky tone, so the dean of our school looked at my work and he said ‘have you ever thought about Hollywood? Maybe you should think about Hollywood.’”
“I love being in the moment, fun, silly, asking about fashion and beauty, all the fun questions. At first I was a little offended but I'm so glad he turned me on to that because at the end of the day, that's what I really love. I love pop culture, I love hearing people’s stories.”
“I love the opportunity to be able to stand there and ask those questions. The fact that I get to do what I love, which is basically asking questions and putting it out there in the world, in a field of entertainment, is a win win.”
“I had this full-circle moment recently when Barbara Harrison retired and they reached out to do a tribute video, I thought wow, this woman was my biggest inspiration who got me in the career I wanted to be in when I was seven years old.”
On her new beauty line, Fountain of Truth...
“Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a shock of a lifetime. It was a fluke and I was fortunate to have found it. It was terrifying. So, I started making a lot of changes to my life like researching what I put on my skin. It was scary what I was finding, so I started making my own concoctions at home. I was going on YouTube then whipping it up in the kitchen. Then this idea came up to create a clean, high-performance skincare line at an attainable price range. It came from a place of need then turned into passion.”
Keynote: Jenna Dewan
Panelists:
Jenna Dewan | Actress, Dancer, Author
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On embracing authenticity and the things that light you up...
“Be you, everyone wants to see you.”
“Be authentic. It’s impossible for me to promote or speak about anything that’s not authentic to me.”
“Trust that you can be everything and anything that you want.”
“I’ve started to embrace what lights me up. I know I’m the happiest when I have a connection to something greater than myself.”
On her new book...
“It started as a poetry book and then it evolved into this personal journey of my life.”
“The book became a labor of love, a child born really. It was a way for me to give my truth because I think there has been a lot of things said that aren’t necessarily my truth.”
On advice for the not-so-great parts of life…
“You have to move through it. You have to feel it and you have to love yourself while you're feeling it. Know you're not going to feel this way forever—there are no shortcuts to healing.”
On imposter syndrome as a woman…
“[As women] we’re never just one thing. Women are able to be many different things at once.”
“There have been many times in my career and I’m really confident but I cried all morning and that's how complicated we are, we’re never just one thing.”
On being a sex symbol in the indusrty…
“I was aware that this was in my body very early on. I embrace it.”
“I love sexy people—sexy women that inspire me.”
“It’s a natural part of who we are. I think women can be mothers and can be sexy. Why can’t we be all of that and be sexy?”
On the long game...
“It took me a long time to come fully into my own. I believe you have to stick with it. It sounds so cliché but you really can’t give up. I was being clear about what I wanted to feel. When that happened the opportunities changed.”
On self-care…
“I’m the happiest when there is always some sort of movement in my life. I’m the happiest when I'm dancing. It ebbs and flows. It’s hard to find time, but you have to make it. You’ll realize how much better you feel when you do.”
Keynote: Kourtney Kardashian
Panelists:
Kourtney Kardashian | CEO and Founder, Poosh
Moderator:
Allison Statter | CEO and Co-Founder, Blended Strategy Group
Advice on money conversations...
“You’re never going to get a better deal then if you negotiate yourself. It’s much easier to have someone negotiate on your behalf. But meeting people and negotiating yourself will always be the best.”
“When someone sees you face-to-face, there’s something different. You’re an actual human with a story.”
“I like to know every detail—actually knowing the details of whatever you’re doing—because I don’t want any surprises later.”
“Find something you love to do, and figure out how to make money doing it.”
“Trying different things is okay. I’ve had so many different jobs in my life and it’s about learning as much as you can from those jobs and carrying those things with you into the future jobs.”
On prioritizing...
“It’s a lot to balance. I think it’s about prioritizing what I have to get done. There are a lot of days where every single minute is booked. I usually do not book things when I’m with my kids. But now I’ve realized I can show my kids that I work, and it’s a great thing—a lot of people have to do that.”
“Take time off when you need it in order to be excited when you come back.”
A day in the life of Kourtney…
“I don’t wake up before 7 am. We all get up at 7am, We get ready, I go work out, I come home, squeeze in a sauna, I do glam, film until six, dinner with my kids, bedtime.”
On Poosh, the story behind the name, and everything in between…
“I feel like a big thing for me is to only take on something that my heart and soul is really in. I didn’t feel motivated to do something unless I was all in—if it was fulfilling, added to my life, and made me happy. That’s where Poosh came along.”
“It (Poosh) embodies my lifestyle. Being able to share so many of the things I do and my team does, we think of it as a conversation. We have an amazing group of contributors.”
“Poosh is Penelope’s nickname—that name just stuck with us.”
Favorite sister is...
“It changes everyday. Today it’s Khloe. Yesterday it was not Khloe. Yesterday it was Kim.”
From Startup to Success Story: Meet the Ladies Killing the Entrepreneurial Game
Panelists:
Rachel Pally | Owner & Creative Director, Rachel Pally
Yanghee Paik | CEO and Founder, Rael
Ellyette Gheno | Founder, BootayBag
Elizabeth Stein | Founder and CEO, Purely Elizabeth
Bianca Gates | CEO, Birdies Slippers
Amanda Baldwin | Brand President, Supergoop!
Moderator:
Maxie McCoy | Author of You’re Not Lost and Founder, MaxieMcCoy.com
Rachel Pally
On trial and error...
“In my 17 years of business, I’ve had a lot of errors and a lot of success. I was open to trying everything and seeing what worked. It’s not always the straightest line but I eventually got there.”
“I was finding that I was being pigeon-holed for so long, I’m constantly having to reinvent. I convinced people that I’m allowed to evolve.”
“You can’t control what’s coming at you but you can control how you handle it.”
Yanghee Paik
On learning from other people...
“You would be surprised how much you can learn from talking to people that have spent a lot of years in the industry, reading, and hustling.”
“We had to learn everything from scratch—passion really helped.”
On educating others on healthy choices...
“I looked at myself the past few decades, and I had been using these products without really asking what’s in them. I figured that that was a problem. We wanted to educate consumers that this can affect your health.”
“You don’t have to sacrifice performance and comfort while you make a healthy choice for your body.”
On the importance of people…
“People matter the most. The team that I built definitely helped me a lot.”
“Hiring people that are smarter than me, who know how to get things done, that’s how I started building the team.”
“I’m very inspired by seeing the team grow, and every single person we’ve brought to the company has helped the team so much.”
Ellyette Gheno
On what inspires her mission...
“That’s why I do this, the hope that my story inspires someone’s beginning.”
On starting a business from scratch...
“I Googled a lot and still Google a lot. Google is my best friend.”
“Go out and network, force yourself to go to those events. Be uncomfortable because you might make a connection.”
Elizabeth Stein
On the launch of her product in Whole Foods...
“I remember that feeling so vividly, thinking ‘oh my God, my life is about to change. This is really working, this is a real business.’”
On the importance of self-care…
“I’ve realized that if I don’t feel good, I’m not making good decisions. I think I take extra, extra self-care and realize how important that is.”
Bianca Gates
On the start of her business venture…
“The beginning of it all stemmed from community and friendships.”
“I did what most people might do, I Googled how to make slippers.”
“Meghan Markle announced her pregnancy in the Redwood Forest in her Birdies, and it was that ‘holy shit’ moment where you’re like, ‘this is big’. When I woke up that morning, sales had exploded. We had a 30 thousand- person waitlist, and what was meant to be good started becoming crazy.”
On consumer demand..
“It could sink a business if you don’t respond immediately to what’s happening.”
On advice from a friend...
“If you don’t do what your investors tell you to do you might get fired, if you do do what your investors tell you to do, you will get fired. It has to come down to what you think is right for the business.”
Amanda Baldwin
On the feedback loop and constant iteration of Supergoop!...
“It’s mission-driven. We’re here to change the way people think about sunscreen and stop the epidemic of skin cancer. Everything we do goes back to that, including the product innovation. It’s always going back to that problem and always trying to solve it.”
On the importance of people…
“At the end of the day, the change and the crazy growth we’re going through, it’s all about the people. Who you hire, who you surround yourself with—it’s everything. Every single hire is a gamechanger for the business. Everything is about finding the right people.”
On the pains of firing employees…
“As painful as it is in the moment, know it truly is the best thing for both of you.”
Swipe Up: How to Create Compelling Content in a Clickbait World
Panelists:
Kellie Brown | Influencer, Brand Consultant, and Founder, And I Get Dressed ...
Chloe Watts | Founder and CEO, chloédigital ...
Jessica Franklin | Lifestyle and Beauty Content Creator, Hey GorJess ...
Quigley | Influencer and Content Creator, Officially Quigley...
Mandy Ansari | Founder, Girl and the Bay...
Steph Weizman | Legal Advisor, Lifestyle Blogger, and Founder of Let Me Wear That...
Moderator:
Reesa Lake | Partner and Executive Vice President, Digital Brand Architects ...
Kellie Brown
On authenticity/transparency/vulnerability...
“I think that for me authenticity meant, there was a specific way that plus women were presenting themselves—I am the anti-flattering girl. The pay off in sticking to my true self resulted in a lot of press and opportunities.”
“Sticking to your guns no matter what that means to you, will put you ahead because there’s only one you.”
On creating content and diversifying content...
“I like on-the-fly content. I like the in-the-moment vibe because it’s super relatable. You get a lot more interaction.”
Chloe Watts
On authenticity/transparency/vulnerability...
“It’s really about what is the goal, what is your why? From there your why trickles down into everything you do. Because my end is to be authentic, I need to make sure I’m always doing that. I need to make sure I am connecting to my audience.”
On the decline of instagram / rising platform...
“There will always be new platforms, different social platforms, it’s always best to be an early adopter of these platforms.”
Jessica Franklin
On authenticity/transparency/vulnerability...
“When the natural hair movement started, my followers related to posting about natural hair. I experienced adult acne, so many people related to it. It’s important to realize that all of us have our insecurities and it just makes us closer.”
Quigley
On authenticity/transparency/vulnerability...
“The more vulnerable I could be on the platform the more deep of a connection I had with my audience. I think we need to stop pointing fingers at people for fake authenticity.”
“Don’t just show the good stuff,show everything! Don’t just show people the highlight reel. Show them the big picture.”
On creating content, diversifying content and …
“When Instagram first started, it was a visual platform but my strength is writing. A huge transformation for me was when I started writing captions first and then thinking about how I wanted to represent my words visually.”
On Instagram removing likes…
“Have I made a genuine connection with one person today? It’s the DMs and the comments sections that we need to focus on. If you connect with one person, you’re an influencer.”
On creating stories...
“If you can post in real time it’s better for engagement. Show up with your face. Make them as interactive as possible.”
Mandy Ansari
On authenticity/transparency/vulnerability...
“I really believe in turning our wounds into wisdom.hen we show our wounds as wisdom we inspire people to be real with themselves. There’s so many masks we are asked to wear, we’re always pressured to be something we’re not. It’s so important that we’re open about where we’re at. What’s more important than having a real conversation?”
“We have the gray days and the bright and colorful days, and it’s important to know your content doesn’t need to be in that box.”
On Instagram removing likes…
“I measure my success on how it goes down in the DM’s.”
Steph Weizman
On creating content, and diversifying content …
“I don’t believe in pigeon-holing yourself. The more diversified the better! I’m more than just the girl that posts pictures of her outfits. It’s important in this day and age to diversify. I listen to my followers and give them what they want.”
“Don’t be afraid to try new things! Find what works for you. That’s how you’ll find your voice and your aesthetic.”
On the decline of Instagram / rising platforms...
“I don’t think Instagram is going anywhere for now, but I have my blog, and YouTube channel. I don’t believe in putting all your eggs in one basket.”
Fair Game: Exploring the World of Venture & Women in Tech
Panelists:
Shilla Kim-Parker | CEO, Thrilling
Tiffany Ho | VC, Acme Capital
Angela Sutherland | CEO and Co-Founder, Yumi
Mimi Chan | Founder and CEO, Littlefund
Dami Osunsanya | Operating Group of Softbank Investment Advisors
Moderator:
Yasmin Moaven | VP of Investor Relations, Fair
Shilla Kim-Parker
On her passion for sustainable, secondhand shopping...
“The passion I have for this company is being a part of the solution—secondhand shopping and making it more accessible.”
On biases...
“No matter how woke we think we are, we all suffer from a certain amount of prejudice or bias. Most people exercise it by the selective helping, it’s that selective helping that perpetuates this system.”
Tiffany Ho
On men’s ‘social scripts’...
“Part of the reason there’s so few women backed by VC’s, is that there are very few social scripts out there that we have internalized to make connections with men quickly.”
On venture capital...
“Venture is this interesting art and science and I think it’s very people-driven”
“Being able to create trust quickly is very important.”
On equity vs. salary…
“The rule of thumb is the more risk you’re taking, the more equity you should have.”
“First, absolutely do your homework. Ask around, particularly to your investor friends and friends that have joined startups before. You want to be able to go to the negotiation table with numbers behind you. Second, you need to have that conversation with yourself, your partner, and your family to understand what your responsibilities are. Third, if you are just like me, an investor, if you’re joining a startup—you have to do your diligence to see if this company will exist / thrive three to five years from now.”
Angela Sutherland
On raising money…
“The idea has to resonate with the people in the room that are investing in it.”
On building a company that is evergreen...
“Build a company that’s good enough regardless of the season. I wouldn’t worry about the fundraising side.”
Mimi Chan
On raising money as a woman...
“Hustle, hustle, hustle. Don’t take no for an answer. It’s a numbers game.”
“As women raising money in the early stages, we don’t get the benefit of the doubt. There is no science to early stage investing. Go with your gut, so many decisions do rely on gut, and unfortunately for women, we walk into a room and we’re pitching, unconscious bias starts seeping in.”
“If you’re spending a lot of time fundraising, you’re not spending a lot of time building your business and that’s a disadvantage.”
“In order for the numbers to change, more funds need to be investing earlier.”
“I have felt less respected as a woman walking into a room and pitching. My fundraising journey would’ve been completely different pitching as a man. We just don’t get the benefit of the doubt.”
Dami Osunsanya
On advice and truths of investing..
“Be open to new opportunities and being able to take risks.”
“Take initiative to get out of your comfort zone and to get to where you want to go.What am I willing to do to get to where I want to go?”
“The people at the table making the decisions are unconsciously biased.”
Intersectionality in the Workplace: A Conversation on Diversity and the Important Role of Allies at the Office
Panelists:
Bhavagna Bhattiprolu | Vice President, Blended Strategy Group
Miatta David Johnson | President and Co-Founder, MVD Inc
Massah David | Co-Founder, MVD Inc
Ally Maki | Actor
Sahara Pynes | Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP
Moderator:
Randi B. | Diversity and Inclusion Strategist, Author, Speaker, and Trainer …
Massah David
Diversity is…
“Vital to your success, and profitable.”
On creating an inclusive space where everyone can participate…
“M sure you’re very intentional. When you’re starting an initiative you have to make sure you’re targeted.”
Importance of diversity vs. inclusion…
“I think it’s important because diversity on its own can only serve optics. Inclusion is making sure that people’s voices are being heard, being in the conversation, not just the topic of the conversation.”
Miatta David Johnson
On hiring…
“First and foremost, we’re looking for the best candidate. For us it’s extremely important that they understand our DNA. Two things that can't be taught: working hard and integrity.”
On the “why” behind DOPE AFRICANS...
“There is a need for comradery in the music space. A lot of Africans felt alienated. It has formed a sense of community in the music space for African Americans.”
On creating real change…
“Bring us in the room because it’s great for optics. But if you’re not hearing from us, then nothing is going to change.”
“If they understand this will affect their profits that’s what is going to create a change.”
On making brands a part of the conversation…
“If they say no, they’re not the brand for your company. Brands respond to statistics, they’ll respond when you start putting stats in front of them.”
Ally Maki
On her work impact the next generation…
“Truly one of my life missions now is to give the next generation of girls growing up what I'm learning now in my 30’s. I look back to when I was young and I didn’t feel worthy of being in any room or any table.”
“Providing a seat for these girls and changing the narrative inspires everything I do because I sometimes still see myself as that eight-year-old girl who didn’t belong.”
On the hostile environment of audition rooms...
“I had to start to restructure my thoughts of this room. Why did we feel like we were the enemies? I had to reframe my mindset of there's only one slot for all of you. That’s what they want you to think, that you’re sister is the enemy. It's terrible and negative and a dangerous way to think. Look right next to you—this is the woman I should be talking to. Who’s really going to have your back?”
Sahara Pynes
On social media keeping brands accountable...
“It’s a great thing that consumers have a direct line to the brands they’re purchasing. Now, if you do something wrong or right, you’ll hear about it from the people consuming the product.”
“You have to take responsibility and give a sneak peak behind how you’re doing better, how you’re remedying the problem.”
How to make real change in large companies...
“Make sure the right people are in the room. To have diversity conversations without white male founders is pointless—unless you bring the decision makers into the room, nothing will change.”
“It's easy to bring people in the door, but you have to get them to stay and feel like they’re a contributor.”
“Leadership has to start from the top. There has to be accountability at the top as well. There has to be regular check-ins.”
On creating a sense of belonging...
“The easiest way to start is in bite-sized pieces. On your teams. Making sure to include people in meetings they normally wouldn’t be a part of so you’re hearing their voices and perspectives.”
Bhavagna Bhattiprolu
On the importance of advocacy…
“Leadership lending a hand is important to the discussion. We are all a group. It’s important to me that I'm reaching out to all women, all ethnicities. I’m not boxing myself into such a narrow group that I'm ultimately not including someone else.”
“I think allies are so important. I think the way we have to look at it is we are all a group. I see it as I am a woman of color who has had a certain level of success and it’s important to me that I’m reaching out.”
On diverse representation...
“I grew up in a world where I consumed so much content showing people that didn’t look like me. It’s really exciting to be in a time where people have different perspectives represented.”
On holding large companies accountable...
“It’s not just getting people in the door and retained but getting them into the higher level positions.There is the optics of getting someone in the door, but it's about putting in the work to get people past that.”
“Get people trained so they can handle these roles.”
Status Quo No Mo: A Conversation on the New Work/Life Balance for Working Women
Panelists:
Taylor Sterling | Founder and Creative Director, Glitter Guide
Amy Nelson | Founder and CEO, The Riveter
Katie Hinz-Zambrano | Founder, Mother and In Good Company
Anne-Sophie Stock | VP, Chandon
Ali Fedotowsky | TV Personality and Lifestyle Blogger, AliManno.com
Nicole Lapin | Anchor, author, and businesswoman, NicoleLapin.com
Moderator:
Chloe Watts | Founder and CEO, Chloe Digital
Nicole Lapin
On the start of her career...
“I started in TV news at the bottom and then I was offered a job as a business reporter.”
“In school, we don’t learn how to do a budget or taxes or a business plan. The last thing I ever thought I would do was work in business or finance. I totally ‘faked it till I made it.’”
“I was super clueless, but I just figured out how to love what I did.”
On self-care…
“Self-care is the biggest asset or liability in your career.”
“Balance, happiness, whatever you wanna call it—leads to success. Not the other way around.”
“I’m so over this ‘busy’ badge of honor. I think we’re burning out like crazy. Just because I'm stressed out doesn’t mean I’m important.”
“I come up with a few really tangible goals for the day and connect them to what my long-term goals are.”
“I know I can feel the difference if I don't start and end the day with gratitude.”
“I encourage you to think about the top five things you value and check to see if you are on that list.”
On being a girls girl...
“I’m an ultimate women’s woman at work.”
“I’m not getting married anytime soon. I put a ring on it myself.”
Ali Fedotowsky
On building a brand....
“Team up with other people and other women. Support each other.”
“Don’t look at your competitor as a competitor—look at them as your best asset.”
On work/life balance...
“I just think do whatever works for you. If hustling is what makes you feel accomplished at the end of the day, do that.”
“If the answer isn’t ‘hell yes’, it’s no.”
“You have to say no to things so that you can focus on what’s truly important to you.”
On having your own spin on your business...
“If you’re doing what somebody else is doing, that’s okay too. Nobody else is doing it like you.”
On sharing your knowledge with others...
“People are going to want to go to your company or follow your brand if you have a service that serves them. I’ve found that when I open up and share my secrets, my business grows. Share your knowledge and share your secrets.”
On her best advice…
“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”
On being a mother...
“I had this big fear that once I became a mom, my career was over. Don’t be afraid of becoming a mother because you just figure it out.”
“I feel like the universe is like, ‘well you’ve been in labor, so you can take more!’”
Amy Nelson
On starting your own business...
“Starting a company is a one-way door—once you walk through it, you don’t stop.”
On work/life balance...
“The idea of balance is bullshit.”
“All of our lives are going to look different and we have to do what’s best for us.”
On building a business...
“Building a business is so hard. I had no idea how hard it would be. But I would do it over, and over, and over again.”
“If I didn't have that ‘why’, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. You have to dig into that ‘why.’”
On Create & Cultivate...
“We would all be remiss if we didn’t talk about the champion, Jaclyn Johnson. She’s helped my business. She really walks the walk and connects people and builds networks.”
On no’s…
“Learn how to hear ‘no’, and know it’s not about you 100%. ‘No’ today doesn’t mean ‘no’ tomorrow —so keep asking.”
Anne-Sophie Stock
On living life in the moment...
“It’s about the small wins.”
On work/life balance...
“You need to have perspective on what you’re doing and what you need to accomplish. And from there, really prioritize.”
“The moment you really prioritize what you want to do, it’s life-changing.”
On the separation between work and self…
“I am not my work. What I produce is not me.“
Katie Hinz-Zambrano
On work/life balance...
“The word ‘balance’ is super loaded. We’ve swapped the word balance for juggling. Some things are up some things are down and some things you drop on the floor. We’re all juggling, it’s fine.”
On establishing the ‘why’ behind your business...
“I care about women, I care about mothers, they’re raising the next generation—that’s my ‘why.’”
On her best advice…
“Keep building your network.”
Taylor Sterling
On goal setting and fulfillment...
“Success will only last for a short amount of time and it’s something you have to continually strive for. It’s not paying attention to what is ‘successful’, it’s paying attention to what fulfills me. Usually, success will follow.”
“Having three to five things at a time is kind of all I focus on. I’ve gotten into the mindset, where I’m like, ‘if this is all I accomplish in one day, that’s okay with me’.”
On carving out time for self-care...
“As a business owner and as a mom, you feel the pressure to be available for everybody at all times. For me, I needed to re-work my business so I could feel that I have mental space left and that I’m taking care of myself. I had to get really crazy about boundaries.”
On women supporting women...
“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the things I do without a supportive network of women.”
On her best advice...
“Stop feeling guilty.”
Strong Foundation: Meet the Women Disrupting the Fashion & Beauty Economy
Panelists:
Catherine Gore | President, Biossance...
Nicole Farb | Vice President of Clean Beauty, Grove Collaborative...
Anne Maza | Co-Owner and VP Sales and Marketing, Olivia Garden...
Jill Layfield | Co-Founder and CEO, Tamara Mellon...
Jenn Acito | Director of Retail Sales, Living Proof...
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
Catherine Gore
On longevity…
“Not many people know this, but we sell our ingredients back into the beauty industry. We’re that proud of the ingredients that we want to help others get on board.”
“In four days, we’re launching an initiative called Clean Academy which is an educational tool that will help debunk a lot of confusion and will help elevate the conversation. We’re hoping clean academy will just bring more knowledge and hopefully make all beauty clean beauty”.
On creating a brand with meaning…
“We align our brand with people that are on the same mission.”
“Have that deep, deep connection with the consumer.”
On advice for entrepreneurs…
“Don’t get drunk at the business party. You can spend a lifetime building your reputation and only 30 seconds losing it, so be consistent with your image.”
Jenn Acito
On Living Proof hiring scientists…
“Living Proof looks outside the industry because we want progress and we want a solution. Our scientists can look at things differently coming from outside the industry. Looking outside the industry is our secret sauce.”
“93%of our scientists are women and I’m really proud of that.”
On longevity…
“To switch the consumer’s mindset you need to find your purpose.”
On advice for entrepreneurs…
“You have to take chances, you have to believe in yourself every step of the way even when you’re having doubts.”
Nicole Farb
On building trust with customers…
“Trust is something that sounds really hard but when you bring it back to the basics it’s doing what you say you’re going to do. Trust for us is publishing our standards. We’re super transparent about why we chose to include or not include ingredients in our products.”
“Beauty products are expensive. So, what’s the brand’s story and do we believe in it?”
On changing the conversation…
“It starts with the way it talks to us as women. We’ve been told for decades that if you want to look like her you should use this product, it’s not about looking this way it’s about feeling this way. We feel good because these ingredients make us feel good. I’m most excited about changing the conversation”.
On advice for entrepreneurs…
“Don’t play the middle. You’ll capture more people but won’t make anyone happy. Play to the extremes and you’ll get people loving what you’re doing.”
Jill Layfield
On making your brand stand out…
“The product is exclusive but the brand’s inclusive.”
“What I learned was that it wasn’t enough to make just a brand story. Investors are looking for technology stories.”
“Our marketing is rooted in feminism—knowing her worth and owning her health”
On taking risks...
“Culture is the way you get the work done, the behavior that’s acceptable and behavior that’s not. The culture is a reflection of the CEO and if you’re clear on how you want your employees to behave.”
On having young women coming into the company...
“They have to own their voice and that it matters just as much as ours.”
On advice for entrepreneurs...
“The risky way is the safe way. You’ve got to go for it because actually, that is the safest bet.”
“The next great group of companies are not going to be built in the same channels we have today.”
Anne Maza
On disrupting the market...
“We’re constantly trying to come up with the next innovation—get ahead of a problem you see customers might be experiencing”.
“There’s a lot of pride in coming out with a really good product”
“How can we do this better? If we’re not going to do something better than someone else, we don’t want to be a part of it”
On longevity…
“We’re extremely detailed in what we do. Plan is great but things change and opportunities might come your way that you didn’t expect. You have to readjust.”
“Staying true to your principal and never wavering from that, and if that means your product launch gets delayed because it’s not up you your standards that’s okay”.
On creating a brand with meaning…
“It’s so important that all your teams speak with the same voice. Make sure the people you’re working with really understand where you’re coming from and can use your voice.”
On advice for entrepreneurs...
“Enjoy the journey as much as you’re going to enjoy the rewards.”
Fireside Chat: Gail Becker, Caulipower Founder & CEO
Panelists:
Gail Becker | Caulipower Founder & CEO
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On not hiding the healthy ingredients…
“We’re so proud of being a vegetable, we put it in our name”
“We like to celebrate the magic of the vegetables.”
On starting Caulipower…
“Why did I wait so long to do what my heart wanted me to do”
“Caulipower was born out of the convergence of this realization that I needed something more meaningful, and my own frustration of trying to find more foods that are gluten-free.”
“Why can’t we all share from the same plate? That’s the ethos behind Caulipower.”
“When you care about something so much that you’re willing to risk everything for it, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do. There’s no amount of hours of sleep you wouldn’t give up.”
“It’s more rewarding than anything I could’ve ever dreamed.”
“It does take a toll. I want to be super honest about that. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and literal tears behind all of that. People never talk about that part.”
On how to hire the right people...
“You need people who are as passionate and care as much as you do.”
“Every single person at caulipower today feels like it’s their company, and that’s how it should be. Those are the kind of people you should hire.”
“You need people that are going to be as passionate and care as much as you. I hired people who wanted to take a leap, too.”
”They have to really have the passion to try to make the world a little bit better.”
On raising capital...
“To grow a business, you have to have money, and you have to have some sales before you raise money, ideally.”
“Don’t let the thought of raising money get in the way of actually building your business.”
On the brand..
“Everything about the brand is accessible. Accessible in the way it looks, the way it tastes, the stores it’s sold in, the fact that we donate to teaching gardens.”
The Truth Serum: Sourcing Trustworthy Skincare Advice in a Click-Bait World
Panelists:
Lauryn Evarts Bosstick | CEO and Founder, The Skinny Confidential
Dr. Anna Guanche | Dermatologist
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
The last thing I googled was…
Lauryn: “Can you jade roll your tits?”
Dr Guanche: “WorkParty.”
My favorite anti-aging hack is…
Lauryn: “Facial massage.”
Dr Guanche: “Use retinol every single night.”
The weirdest home remedy for skin I’ve tried is…
Lauryn: “Order olive oil from room service to remove my makeup.”
Dr Guanche: “Bird-poop facial. The geishas used to use this. It has enzymes in it to exfoliate your skin.”
Dr. Anna Guanche
On what happens to skin as we age...
“You reduce your elastin production once you're born, your collagen is decreased. Your skin can no longer compensate for the skin damage that has happened to you since you were born.”
On the most common questions and concerns regarding anti-aging…
“They want to know what really works and the active ingredients that do reverse aging.”
On retinol and anti-aging...
“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and is naturally found. It exfoliates and as you keep using it it keeps your skin looking dewy. Retinol is the quickest way to get retinol on your skin—it’s milder than retinae.”
On tips for getting good skin…
“Drink plenty of water, don’t stress out, get lots of sleep, sleep on your back, have a low-salt diet, and wash every single drop of makeup off every night. Good skin takes discipline.”
On how long it takes to see results from a new product…
“Four to six weeks of consistent use.”
On empowerment and self-love…
“Try the empowered approach. There’s no shame in wanting to be beautiful. I was very hard on myself when I was young. Try to love yourselves. Actively try to overcome the things you don’t like about yourself and be empowered by putting your best foot forward.”
On best self-care tips...
“I try to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. You need to have routine and you need to have discipline. Try to manage your stress, meditate, wear your sunscreen every day, wash your face completely at night, and take good care of yourself.”
Lauryn Evarts Bosstick
On the topics shared on her podcast...
“We’ve talked about everything, from vagina steaming to boob jobs, I feel like there isn’t anything we haven't talked about.”
“People do have these questions that they’re embarrassed to ask. I’m trying to create a space where we can talk about these taboo topics.”
On carefully selecting partnerships…
“I’m really specific and strategic. I’ve left a lot on the table because it wasn’t the right fit. I’m really careful with what I promote.”
On being inspired by other people’s routines...
“I’m really inspired by other countries. I like to observe and see what they’re doing differently—it's a lot of oil and facial massage. I feel like Americans have a very more is more approach. I really try to watch and observe what other people are doing and implement it into my routine.”
On self-care…
“We’re in a day and age where women don’t want to look like someone else, now everyone wants to be the best version of yourself and I think self-care is that.”
On the importance of suncare…
“I am batshit crazy about the sun. I wear driving gloves in my car and sunscreen on my hands, chest, and ankles.”
Right to Desire: Conversation With Rumer Willis and Cindy Eckert
Panelists:
Cindy Eckert | CEO, The Pink Ceiling
Moderator:
Rumer Willis | Actress and Advocate
Cindy Eckert
On her biggest lesson...
“To get back up. You’re going to be underestimated. You can pull back and either doubt yourself or see the underestimation as an invitation to impress people.”
My message to women is ...
“Own it. Get a piece of the pie. Own your sexual desire. You have the right to desire, to start your own company, to have your own voice.”
“Speak up, stand up, and lock arms with other women who share your passion.”
On sex advice...
It’s a priority. It’s so beneficial overall for your health. Just f*cking do it. Have more sex!
“It’s about owning it and owning ourselves.”
On hard statistics…
“Only 3% of pharma companies are run by women.”
On changing the narrative of sex and supporting other women...
“The goal was changing the narrative and about women having the choice”
“Starting to remember our inherent value is a key part of changing this conversation.”
“If things go wrong with men in the bedroom, we say it’s biology. But with women, it’s psychology.”
“I’m a huge crusader for women’s health. If it broke down in the bedroom it broke down at the breakfast table.”
The New Disruptors: Meet the Women Making Moves in the Modern Marketplace
Panelists:
Jesse Draper | Founding Partner, Halogen Ventures
Shawntee Reed | Inclusion Diversity Lead, Square
Alicia Jager | VP, Mastercard
Diana Hilson | Product Marketing Manager, Intel
Shannon Race | Associate Director Brand Relations, Vital Proteins
Samantha Fulgham | Chief Creative Marketing Officer, Bumble
Moderator:
Sherry Jhawar | Co-Founder, Blended Strategy Group ...
Jesse Draper
On investing...
“It doesn’t matter if it’s $100 or $1000, put your money to work, take risks with your money.”
“How are you going to learn how to build money if you don’t take the risk?”
“The data is there that women will invest back into the female ecosystem.”
“Put your money to work, ladies!”
On prioritizing your side hustle...
“If your side hustle is your passion, and you really want to go after it and you want to quit your day job—work as much as you can on your side hustle.”
On what she looks for when investing in a new company...
“I like it to be very disruptive, the first or second in the space.”
On starting a business in a saturated market...
“If you’re entering a busy space, be sure you know how to differentiate yourself.”
Shawntee Reed
On making waves in the market..
“Create those strategies that really does disrupt how we think.”
On women being a big part of inclusivity...
“We took to the market place internally to learn from women to ensure we have an inclusive work environment. Women are very instrumental in that.”
Alicia Jager
On hiring...
“I think it’s really important for us women to be thinking about hiring a diverse team.”
On her best advice...
“Help young women hone their skills and become leaders.”
On being the only woman in the room...
“When you’re not the minority, you don’t really notice.”
“I was almost always the only woman in the room.”
“It's been very encouraging for me, a woman, to feel like there is a place for me at the top”
Diana Hilson
On her best advice on growth and building a great company...
“Listen to consumers, do research, think about what’s the next big thing.”
“Look for the diversity.”
Shannon Race
On her best advice...
“Don’t get caught up looking left and right—look up and far beyond.”
“Don’t get sidetracked about what everyone else in the space is doing.”
“Look for inspiration from brands that are completely outside of the space.”
On C&C...
“You have such a deep-rooted community, I want to find ways to mimic that.”
Samantha Fulgham
On the importance of innovation...
“Every single time our consumers think we’ve done something super innovative, it’s really not that innovative—we really just listen to our users. We listened to feedback after feedback and started Bumble BFF. Some of our most innovative ideas have come from our interns.”
“Our goal was to create an app where women make the first move.”
On giving women a fair chance...
“There's an inequality right now and we need to bring women up.”
On Bumble’s founder setting examples...
“Women can run companies and run them successfully, and balance that with dating.”
On waiting for the guy to text you back...
“It wasn’t written in the rule book and it wasn’t written on the wall. So why did we do it?”
No Fear Zone: How to Cultivate Your Craft and Turn Your Passion Into a Career (Pottery Barn)
Panelists:
Monica Bhargava | EVP Design & Product Development, Pottery Barn...
April Gargiulo | Founder, Vintner’s Daughter...
Caitlin Flemming | Interior Designer and Founder, Caitlin Flemming Design...
Gray Malin | Photographer, Author, Founder, Gray Malin ...
Orland Soria | Interior Designer, Author, and Visual Artist, Founder Homemaker.com ...
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
Monica Bhargava
On getting her start in design...
“I grew up in India and I came to the U.S. when I was 17 years old because I wanted to explore education in the United States. Design and development was in my DNA. My earliest memories are jumping on piles of rugs or looking at empty documents, or visiting my family and seeing all the colors, that's where my passion for design came from.”
On leading a team and vision at Pottery Barn…
“When I think about the trust that these women have placed in me, it’s empowering. The platform that I have access to, I feel like I have the opportunity to build the American dream. We’re a very large company that operates like a very small company. The design process is invigorating. I cannot think of a platform where I have felt more empowered.”
“It’s a very collaborative process. You need to deliver the product to have a vision. You have to solve a lot of your creative problems at home. It is a complex procedure and it’s collaborative. That vision comes together from a lot of different places.”
Gray Malin
On his start and mission...
“I excelled in photography in high school, my parents advised me to. I got really into film. Everyone around me thought I was such a success, but I felt like such a failure. It wasn’t until I told my parents I wanted to do fine art photography that everything began. I learned that people weren’t feeling accepted by the gallery world, so I set out on a mission to make photography that was relatable.”
“I think when you launch a brand and start to think about growth—it starts internally. What brands do I have a connection with? We learned that photography didn’t have to live on a two dimensional space on the wall. I felt like travel is a part of this brand and we were in talks with a big brand and they just didn’t get it, but then we got a call from AWAY and they got it. It was an authentic connection. Collaboration works in different ways, you just have to ask yourself if it’s authentic.”
Orland Soria
On rocky beginnings...
“I had a super rocky road to get to where I am. It’s rare to be put into a space with someone that you have such a connection with (on working with Emily Henderson). I had years and years of applying for jobs and not getting them. Literally couldn’t get a cashier’s job. It was a long road to get on that show.”
“It taught me that there is a lot of success that has to do with luck and happenstance and you can’t beat yourself up too much for not being where you want to be because so much is out of your control. I can finally say I deserve to be here and I worked for it.”
On sustaining motivation...
“In order to maintain excitement and interest I always have to have a new goal.”
April Gargiulo
On her mission…
“I was somebody who had struggled with my skin all my life and I had been using what I thought were all the finest products. One day, I was pregnant with my first daughter and I started looking at ingredients.”
“Luxury to me is knowing that it’s safe. I created a skincare product that is built on that same concept.”
Caitlin Flemming
On starting her business...
“I love to look fear straight in the face. When I went to college and got a business degree. I graduated right before the recession and it put so much fear in me.”
“I started Sacramento Street because I needed a creative outlet. Then I started to get a few clients and I couldn’t maintain it. I worked full time with a side hustle for five years.”
“My parents have always taught me to go for what I always wanted.”
On developing aesthetic...
“I’ve always known my inner aesthetic. You can always compare yourself to someone else, but you have to think about what is true to myself and your brand. My aesthetic has been crafted since I was a little girl.”
“Put down your phone when you’re traveling, look up. Keeping your eyes open will help you develop your own aesthetic.”
Getting Niche: Finding an Untapped Market and Creating a Unique Brand
Panelists:
Aleksandra Zee | Influencer, Entrepreneur, and Author, The Way of the Woodshop...
Barb Paldus | Founder, Codex Beauty...
Colleen Stauffer | Global Business Marketing, Pinterest...
Mari Mazzucco | PR & Influencer Marketing Manager, Olly ...
Jen Cohen Bogan | CEO, BlueJay Bikes...
Rachel Dealto | Chief Dating Expert, Match...
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
Mari Mazzucco
On the importance of the consumer...
“We want to make sure our consumer is empowered.”
On the successes from a brand’s point of view on influencer marketing...
“Influencer marketing has always been a really important channel of marketing for Olly. Influencers have a been a really valuable asset to help us tell our story.”
“Influencers have been a really valuable lever for PR.”
On types of influencers to work with...
“At each tier there’s a benefit. Mid-level are great for engagement and micro-influencers help us convert customers.”
Jen Cohen Bogan
On the benefits of electric bikes...
“There’s something super magical about a bike that can ride up a hill and go anywhere.”
On self-funding your vision...
“When it’s your money—every little decision—you feel it.”
“I feel that it’s a blessing because it forces me to be very focused. I have limited resources, I have to stay very focused to create what we need to have for this next generation.”
Aleksandra Zee
On making art that stands the test of time...
“I don’t want to make art that’s not mine forever.”
On starting a new venture...
“It was definitely learn as you go—‘fake it til you make it.’”
“I am self-funded as well, so every dollar does count.”
On making your side hustle your main hustle...
“I remember that feeling of being able to pay my rent with my artwork, which really blew my mind and still blows my mind today.”
“Do a day job that doesn’t take away from your creative space. Leave that creative space intacct.”
On sustainable purchasing...
“I want to encourage being intentional with your purchases.”
Colleen Stauffer
On finding inspiration on Pinterest...
“It’s a good place to do a gut check.”
Rachel Dealto
On the ways of dating in the modern world...
“We’re calling bullshit on dating today. Match is trying to fix part of the problem, trying to shift the way we think about dating.”
“Only 10% of Gen Z and Millennials are heavily dating. That means 90% are looking.”
On the multifaceted aspects of dating...
“The principles you apply to dating, you can apply to every other aspect of your life.”
“If you're in charge of your dating life, then you can be in charge of your professional life as well.”
Barb Paldus
On bringing her spin on clean products into the marketplace...
“If I don’t try, the world will not be a better place.”
On the importance of raising money...
“The moment you take venture capital money, it means massive growth and profitability.”
On taking time to make the right products...
“We really wanted to take the time to do the science right.”
Brand Equity: How to create a brand that lives beyond the social bubble
Panelists:
Angela Tafoya | Editorial Director, Lonny
Tanesha Awasthi | Influencer and Designer, Girl with Curves
Julie Solomon | Founder, The Influencer Podcast, Pitch It Perfect and The Influencer Academy
Katie D'Amato | Director of Brand and Social Activation, Alaska Airlines
Rachel Curry | Director, Marketing, Owned Channels at Volvo Car USA
Moderator:
Maxie McCoy | Author of You’re Not Lost and Founder, MaxieMcCoy.com
Angela Tafoya
On connecting with audience...
“We’re writing about a feeling. We never losing sight of what that feeling is and apply that to how we want to connect with our audience.”
“Consider mindful interaction and purpose.”
On vulnerability…
“Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Doing so opened up a lot of areas for me.”
Tanesha Awasthi
On going into fashion...
“Really early on I wanted to be a fashion designer. I made the connection that what I was wearing really boosted my confidence.”
On her most important lesson...
“Be yourself. All you can ever be is yourself.”
“I valued my connection with my audience so much and what I realized through fully opening up and being real, is that we’re all going through so many of the same things.”
On a multi-dimensional brand...
“Your online business is going to spearhead the success of your offline business.”
On connecting with her audience...
“Real, authentic, and open communication with your audience. Not only are we trying to tap into a market that is underserved, I want to get my curvy girls exactly what they want.”
Julie Solomon
On brand growth...
“When you are creating and growing a brand, it’s a reflection of your own purpose and your own ‘why’ to the audience you're serving. First, you have to be able to answer for yourself, ‘why do you want to pick up your phone and post every day?’ The second is who are you talking to? If you’re talking to everybody, you’re essentially talking to nobody. You have to be very clear on who you’re talking to.”
On what she’s gotten wrong…
“I spent so many years in that affiliate rat race. If you’re not trying to build your own brand and your own activations, you’re missing out. Now I’m able to show up and really be a solution provider to my audience.”
On mentors...
“Align with the people you aspire to be or aspire to work with. Make sure that you’re following the people that inspire you, educate yourself and it will take you to the next step.”
On being unique…
“It’s not about what makes you different, it’s about what makes you unique. You have to get yourself out of that special snowflake syndrome. What is your unique spin on something. People don’t buy information they buy results. What unique angle do you have to get them to the results they need?”
On having clear goals…
“Clearly define your goals so you can eliminate your excuses. Break it down into really tangible goals. Really get clear on those steps.”
Katie D'Amato
On brand definition…
“The relationship a product or company has with the consumer.”
On human connection at Alaska Air...
“People are coming on board with a hundred different situations and our people are really important in developing that relationship.”
On brand mission and success...
“Know who you are. We pay attention to what we do really great at and stay in that lane.”
“What do you want to be known for and then go do that. Build a reputation out of that thing.”
Rachel Curry
On asking for help...
“It’s okay to find somebody who is really good at it and ask them for help.”
“Some of it will be self preservation some of it will make you fitter, better, faster.”
On growing as a brand…
“We stay pure to what we were founded on—safety and scandanvian design. But, we find ways for people to experience the brand in a new way and that’s why social is so important.”
On Volvo and storytelling…
“Buying a car is not always that exciting, so you have to wrap some storytelling around it—storytelling to help communicate why these features are important.”
Priceless Conversations: Meet the women making an impact
Panelists:
Deepica Mutyala | Founder and CEO, Live Tinted...
Taylor Jay | CEO and Founder, Taylor Jay Collection (Small Biz Mktplce)...
Payal Kadakia | Founder and Executive Chairman, ClassPass...
Victoria Pettibone | Managing Director, Astia...
Jennifer Marcou | General Manager, Relationship Marketing and Privacy, Microsoft...
Moderator:
Ginger Siegel, North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard
Deepica Mutyala
On starting your brand..
“Going down makeup isles and never seeing myself represented. Ever since then, I wanted to create an inclusivity brand.”
“Waiting for someone to do it so you can do it, but then you think, ‘why not me?’”
On being an entrepreneur...
“One day you have the highest high and the next, the lowest low.”
“It was important to me to start as a community-first brand.”
On flipping the script on investors...
“You realize you don't want investors who don’t understand what you’re building. When I heard a ‘yes’, I realized that was truly the right partner for me.”
Taylor Jay
On how her brand stands out in the marketplace...
“We stand out by being loyal to the woman that wears it.”
“We’re definitely slow fashion, we’re consistent, and we push comfort and style.”
“It was an organic twist, I had a product that people responded to in a positive way. I pretty much built on that. Community was important. Having a community of women you impact in a positive way, that pushes you to do things you had no clue you could do.”
On starting a new venture...
“I didn’t allow the insecurity of me not being a trained designer to hold me back.”
“I watched people that I was inspired by myself and watched what they did.”
“I believed in what I had and what my ideas were.”
“It was the hard hustle that pushed me through and still pushes me through, and faith.”
“You have to practice what you preach. If you operate that way, operate that way. If you don't, you don't.”
On tailoring her brand to the modern woman...
“As women, our lives change from day to day. My life is different every day, and I wear my brand literally every day.”
“It doesn't matter how you wake up feeling that week, the clothing is there for you.”
Payal Kadakia
On the power behind women starting businesses...
“I know other women out there are going to raise more money than I have.”
“We want women to build companies that are timeless. I want this to last hundreds of years, and that’s what gets me up in the morning.”
On what her secret sauce is...
“What I realized was that people didn’t have a way to stay active in an easy functional flexible way. We’ve been able to tap into people’s time. It’s about changing behavior.”
“It’s a behavioral change that we’ve created, it’s hours of people’s lives that are now spent getting off the couch and doing something they love.”
“It’s a mission I feel grateful to work on everyday. I never feel done.”
On wise words...
“Most things that we are passionate about take time.”
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
“We started out to change the world. Sign up for something that’s big. You’re going to take it to the grave. I hope I never feel like I’m done.”
“You have to realize that starting a company takes time. The important thing I learned is to stay the course, keep the mission and vision always in mind—that’s what helps me in those moments. Surround yourself with a great team that you can go to in those moments when you have to make those hard decisions.”
On eliminating competition with copycats...
“I had to get out there and become a leader.”
Victoria Pettibone
On inclusifying funding...
“When we focused on women, we were missing women of color. We’ve become much more intentional about it ourselves.
“That’s what we’re doing and what I’d like to see more of in other organizations.”
“.0006% of funding is going to black female founders.”
“There's a lot about venture that’s broken and we are trying not to replicate it.”
On fighting for investments...
“Don’t take no for an answer. There will be a lot of no’s but don’t take no for an answer.”
“We have a process that takes away a lot of subjectivity where we screen the deals and look beyond the geography of Silicon Valley. We put the entrepreneur first, and often were the first call the entrepreneur will make when they’re having trouble navigating a situation.”
Jennifer Marcou
On how Microsoft is continuing to meet needs in the ever-changing tech landscape…
“The customer is the number one priority.”
“Being close to the customer and staying close to the customer is number one.”
“To me, it’s the most customer-focused thing you can do. Be transparent with customers on how you’re using their data, giving them choice.”
On creating a sustainable team as an individual…
“First is creating a group of comradery. Second is building a skillset. And I think the most important thing is allyship. ”
On the top down mentality...
“We cannot make the changes we need to as women to change the percentage of investment in women’s groups unless we change things from the top down.”
The Industry of Influence: Meet the Women Building Businesses and Brands Through the Power of Personality
Panelists:
Megan Roup | Creator, The Sculpt Society (Diageo / Ketel One)...
Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick | CEO and Founder, The Skinny Confidential...
Arielle Vandenberg | Comedian, Actress, TV Host, and Influencer...
Jessica Ricks | Founder and Creative Director, Hapa Time ...
Ashlee Margolis | Founder and CEO, The A List...
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
Megan Roup
On her journey for building a brand...
“It was my personal journey before it was my personal brand. Once I found a new sense of confidence and strength within myself, my why became really clear, really fast for me. I wanted to create a space for women to feel empowered. I attended a create & cultivate conference, and 2.5 years later I'm on the stage.”
On confidence…
“Practice, practice, practice.”
On business advice…
“Work smarter, not harder”
“Everything doesn’t happen in one day”
Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick
On making blogging a business…
“I came into it with the intention not to immediately make money. Bloggers have to go into it and provide value and I went into it knowing it wouldn’t make money for three years. Refine your intention for why you’re doing it.”
On thinking strategically about partnerships and content...
“You have to be really strategic with who you’re working with. I like to use it for a month at least. I like to find what’s unique about it. I think of my audience as influencers, I think A to Z. Are they going to go to happy hour and tell five of their friends? Is this something they’re going to keep going back to? Think five steps down the line. It’s a full 360 approach. It has to be a win, win, win—in for the brand, win for me, and win for the audience.”
On entrepreneurship...
“With an entrepreneur you have to learn to embrace the chaos. You have to wear 100 hats and be fine with it. Hire smart. You have to be your own crusader.”
On confidence…
“If you’re not keeping promises to yourself it reflects outward.”
Arielle Vandenberg
On being yourself and the rest will follow…
“I have never been one to be embarrassed or worry about what people think about me. Being on social media, there is a lot of haters and haters gonna hate but if you’re truly yourself you don’t need to think about that. You’re you and you’re perfectly you and no one can change that. I’m into anything that brings me joy, but I still try to keep it real. I just want to be myself even if I look crazy. I taught myself how to use premiere pro and direct and edit and light my own shit, I taught myself everything I needed to know.”
“If you’re truly yourself you don’t need to care about what anyone thinks about you.”
“I’m into anything that brings me joy but I still try to be real.”
On doing being successful on her own terms...
“My confidence was shot until I started doing it my way.”
Jessica Ricks
On the unknown territory of blogging…
“I had no idea, blogging has changed so much and it’s been a crazy journey figuring it out as we go.”
“No one knew what blogging could become.”
“It ebbs and flows… you really never know what can happen if you follow your dreams.”
Ashlee Margolis
On refining your focus and looking ahead...
“Don’t look at your competitors and don’t let that bring you down. Everyone is hustling, everyone is doing things differently. Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay focused on what you’ve got going on.”
On standing up for yourself and knowing your worth in business...
“Know your worth and stand for it. Walk them through why you’re commanding more money, be honest with your clients. Explain where your value is.”
C&C Classifieds: Too Faced Cosmetics, OUAI Haircare, SoulCycle & More!
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Slow Stories—Literally, Slow Down: How Taking a Content Break Can Lead to Successful Storytelling
The turtle wins the race.
Photo: Courtesy of Slow Stories
Ahead of the season three launch of the Slow Stories podcast, I'm thrilled to return to our namesake column after a summer-long hiatus. When I wrote the most recent article in July, I was on the tail end of a period where I had essentially been operating on autopilot. Naturally, this ran counter to the idea of slow content and the themes that we explored last season on the podcast.
While my work certainly didn't stop this season, taking a brief pause from this particular initiative allowed me to recalibrate how I am able to fully implement a slower and more thoughtful approach to content across my personal and professional channels. As things kick into high gear for the upcoming fall/holiday content craze, I'm sharing a few things to think about if you're planning to rethink your content strategy during a high energy time.
Create Context
The most direct way to set the tone for a slowdown in content is to establish context as to why your audience can expect changes. This can range from a formal announcement outlining concrete details and timing of a content hiatus, or if you're unsure as to how long you need to recalibrate, subtle changes in your content calendar over an extended period. If you're a personality or individual content creator, I also encourage revisiting my April article, which also touches on the importance of boundaries. At the end of the day, whether you're a personal brand or business, it is at your discretion to decide how much you share online about the choices you're making within your company.
Adjust Your Posting Cadence
If you don't want to shock your followers with an unexpected silence, ease them to the changes by establishing a routine that is more in-line with your current content calendar. For instance, if you're in the middle of a visual rebrand and don't know how to incorporate this transition in your content, include elements that are reflective of your upcoming relaunch (i.e., inspiration imagery that contains colors from your brand color palette, behind-the-scenes creative imagery, etc.).
Or if it's a matter of the kind of content you want to step away from for a while, think about alternative ways to stay engaged with your audience. For example, if you are looking to step away from more highly-produced content, you don't have to stop publishing entirely. Instead, you can focus on "off the cusp" content geared towards mediums like Instagram Stories or Snapchat versus content that traditionally requires more planning on a blog, website, or Instagram feed.
Consider What a "Storytelling Sabbatical" Might Look Like
Regardless if you're in a marketing or content-focused role, creating content can be a full-time job in our current business landscape. Many modern companies have introduced sabbatical programs for tenured employees to take time off away from work and come back feeling recharged. The same thought-process is worth exploring in roles that require "always-on" responsibilities. While it would be challenging to step away from digital storytelling completely, if you are in a leadership position, consider implementing breakpoints that allow your team to immerse themselves in their field outside of the office.
Perhaps there is an opportunity to facilitate an offsite retreat or outing. For individual team members who may need to recharge, consider covering charges for a co-working space or an industry conference (like Create & Cultivate!) that will enable them to still add value to the company while also providing space for personal growth. The most compelling content and stories derive from innovative thinking. Sometimes all it takes is stepping back for a moment to inspire a considerable leap forward in the long run.
With the above points in mind, if you can take a content hiatus (either personal or professional) here are a few ways to maximize your time:
Regroup with Your Team or Collaborators
Whether you're in a corporate team or a solopreneur, storytelling is a collaborative effort. Use the time away from your devices to encourage face time to brainstorm and reconnect with those you work with closely.
Relaunch and Revise
When it comes to creating content with longevity, timing is crucial, so take the added time off to experiment and refine your content strategy, branding, or medium.
Redefine Your Definition of "Content"
Finally, think about how content exists in a modern landscape. Can events or experiences be content? Does content take shape in the form of a book or printed entity? Posing these questions will inspire new ways of thinking about how to disseminate your brand's story so that it keeps people on their toes while still connecting with in-the-know consumers.
These are just a few thought-starters to think about as you plan an upcoming content break and how to make the most of that precious time away from your screen. And if you need some inspiration during that time away, I encourage you to listen to the slow stories contributed by creative professionals in CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL's community.
I'll be back with my next article in October, but until then, check out these highlights from our season two podcast contributors:
Episode: Brandy Pham of PLANOLY on Creating Content with Purpose and Empathy
Opened by fashion illustrator Jeanette Getrost. Jeanette shares why The Florence Academy of Art Instagram page inspires her.
Opened by digital strategist and Written Coffee founder Ellie Eckert. Ellie shares why the book Applied Empathy resonated with her.
Opened by jewelry designer Grace Wong. Grace shares how Company of One speaks to what she's trying to do as a solo, small business owner.
Episode: Kathryn Duryea of Year & Day on Fostering Vision, Values, and Enduring Stories
Opened by Michelle Toney, co-founder of Morrow Soft Goods. Michelle shares a couple of books that have inspired her to slow down and lean into her imagination.
Episode: Carolyn Witte of Tia on How Content Can Shape How We Think About Modern Healthcare
Opened by Matisse Bustos-Hawkes, founder of Otro Lado Communications. Matisse shares why a podcast snippet featuring Sabrina Hersi Issa inspired her.
Episode: Alisha Ramos of Girls' Night In on Storytelling That Inspires Self-Care
Opened by Erin Allweiss, co-founder of No. 29. Erin reflects on two notable talks that resonated with her at the TED Conference.
Episode: Michael Ventura of Sub Rosa on Applying Empathy in Business and Storytelling
Opened by Veronica Souza of Vero Branding. Veronica shares why rediscovering a manifesto from her favorite cookbook reinvigorated her to slow down.
Episode: Tanya Taylor on Slow Content, Sustainable Style, and Standing up for Women Everywhere
Opened by Avery Cox, an interior designer. Avery shares why a compelling photography series by Anna Boyiazis inspired her.
To learn more about what slow content means and what it can mean to you, check out my first column here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Schwartzmann is the Founder and CEO of The Style Line LLC. She created The Style Line in late January 2011 via Tumblr and has fostered The Style Line’s brand in its growth since then. Rachel has been featured in esteemed sources including Forbes, Refinery29, and MyDomaine and has also spoken at Create & Cultivate and Columbia University on establishing a unique brand point of view and entrepreneurship. On October 1, 2015, Rachel took The Style Line in a new direction as a boutique content company with the introduction of its slow content agency CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL.
You can follow Rachel at:
The Style Line: @thestyleline (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
CONNECT(ED)ITORIAL: @connecteditorial (Instagram)
Rachel Schwartzmann: @rachelschwartzmann (Instagram) @RMSchwartzmann (Twitter)
Day in the Life: How a Modern-Day Philanthropist Runs Her Purpose-Driven Company
The founder of ALMA gives us a glimpse into her day-to-day life at a philanthropic startup.
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.
“As most entrepreneurs will probably tell you, there’s no ‘average day’ in startup life. In the last year since starting ALMA, I’m no longer surprised by the daily surprises.”
—Michelle Rittenhouse
We’ve all heard the quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world” but if you want to see what this can actually look like when put into practice, check out ALMA. The co-founders Michelle Rittenhouse and Dan Hill are pretty perfect examples. The pair met while working at Airbnb and after realizing that they shared mutual passions for change-making and empowering others, they decided to create ALMA.
It’s not every day that you hear stories of people wanting to see a change in the world and actually taking initiative to make it happen. Rittenhouse and Hill have a very specific vision for their mission-based organization. In Latin, ALMA means “nourishing,” and that is exactly what this company intends to do: nourish and empower a new generation of philanthropists.
The organization is a platform that brings together nonprofits and donors, with an emphasis on transparency and collaboration. We sat down with Rittenhouse to walk us through a day in the life of the successful philanthropist, and to give us insight into what it takes to run a purpose-driven organization.
What does an average day in your life look like?
“As most entrepreneurs will probably tell you, there’s no ‘average day’ in startup life. In the last year since starting ALMA, I’m no longer surprised by the daily surprises. In a typical day, I might meet with a couple of nonprofit partners, launch an Instagram campaign to support the pro-choice movement, then test our new donation flow designs. I’m constantly switching gears.
“That said, I love routines to help me stay organized, so I build routines into my week whenever possible. Monday morning starts with a weekly planning meeting, and Friday ends by recapping the week with a PPF (Progress, Plans, and Fires). The day-to-day work changes constantly, but anchoring my week with those routines helps me to stay focused on the top priorities.”
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
“On a good day, I’ll get up at 6 AM and run, but realistically, most days it’s closer to 7 AM. I’m guilty—the first thing I do is check my phone. Since our product is very closely tied to trending topics, I always check a few news sources to see what issues people are starting to stand behind, and think about how ALMA might help be part of the conversation. I also read emails but don’t respond to any until I’m in the office in front of my computer. Glancing through emails, my schedule, and catching up on the news helps me prepare for the day ahead.”
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
“I’ve always been a night owl. If I have hard problems to solve, particularly if it requires going deep into the data, I find that I’m able to focus better late at night. Workdays can be too filled with distractions and competing priorities, but at night I can clear everything off my plate and go deep on a single idea. “
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
“First, breakfast! I need a good healthy breakfast before heading to the office. Lately, I’ve been prepping and freezing ingredients for smoothies to easily make throughout the week. I currently have an hour-long commute on a metro (with no wifi!), so I’ve been listening to podcasts or reading on the way to work which is a great way to ease into the day.”
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?
“I’m a ruthless list person, and I need to actually write things down. Nothing is quite as satisfying as crossing something off my list and I don’t get the same thrill from checking it off online. I’ve also learned when to ask for help or outsource certain areas of the company. I’m never going to be an expert in every aspect that’s required to build a business, so we lean on the experts when it makes sense.”
I’ve learned when to ask for help or outsource certain areas of the company. I’m never going to be an expert in every aspect that’s required to build a business, so we lean on the experts when it makes sense.”
—Michelle Rittenhouse
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
“Yep, though not too often. Since most of my team communication happens in real-time over Slack, email is less time-sensitive than it used to be. I tend to batch my email and crank through it in bursts, rather than constantly monitoring it all day. I don’t like to let emails dangle, so I’ve gotten better at quick replies, even if it’s letting the recipient know I’ll get back to them later. “
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
“Talking to our customers is one of the most energizing and productive things I can do. It helps me see ALMA through their eyes, and they often have great ideas. I can’t tell you the number of strangers I’ve approached in coffee shops to ask them about their perspectives on donating to charity. It’s awkward at first, but oh-so-productive.
“Outside of work habits, it’s the self-care routines I’ve built that keep me balanced. I’ve always been a runner, and it’s critical for me to find the time and space for long runs on the weekends. It clears my head and sharpens my focus.”
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
I” aim for 11 PM. I recently set up Downtime on my iPhone it’s been a game-changer (Settings > Screentime > Downtime). At 11:15 pm, all my apps automatically lock. That’s my signal to put the phone down and grab a book.
“My other tip is keeping a journal. I’ve been writing in a five-year-journal for the last few years, which helps me unwind and clear my mind before bed.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
“Hearing from happy customers is always the best part of my day. My company, ALMA, is a donation platform empowering a new generation of philanthropists, mostly younger, everyday donors giving $20 a month or so to the causes they care about. We hear constantly from donors that they’re much more satisfied with this type of intentional giving compared to just donating reactively to friend’s fundraisers or whenever there’s a natural disaster. We’re sending $1,000s of dollars to our nonprofit partners each month, including many small, local nonprofits, so this support is very impactful for them already.”
When did you know you wanted to start your own company? What was your journey like?
“I’ve had the itch for a long time, and last year the timing was right for me both personally and professionally. I was an early employee at LivingSocial, then worked at Airbnb for years, so I’ve been lucky to twice experience once-in-a-career type startup growth. When I was thinking about my next steps after leaving Airbnb, I knew I didn’t want to go work for a large company, nor was I eager to join someone else’s start-up. I had plenty of ideas and was eager to build something from scratch.”
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited for in 2019?
“It’s been great to see how active and passionate our generation is to drive change. In the first six months after launching ALMA, we raised over $500K for charity, with the average donation around $50. We’re connecting everyday people with really important causes. We’ve recently launched a number of big product updates, including the ability to donate to any verified nonprofit in the U.S. I can’t wait to see how much impact our community is able to drive over the next six months.”
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Money Matters: Why "Being Close to the Financials Is Key" for Every Entrepreneur
Tech CEO, angel investor, and bestselling author, Kim Perell gives us the 101.
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 office 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.
“Great people make great companies, so you need to invest in people first and foremost. No one is successful alone!”
—Kim Perell
When Kim Perell sold her first company, the cash file was so big, it exceeded the space on the receipt at the ATM. But it took a lot of hard work and grit to get to that point. In fact, Perell’s first company actually went bankirupt and she fully self-funded her first startup so it’s humbling to know that not every success story has a fairytale beginning.
Now Perell is helping other women join the billion-dollar club as an angel investor but that doesn’t mean she has slowed down her own entrepreneurial pursuits. The reality is quite the opposite. A serial entrepreneur at heart, Perell is now a tech CEO, and author of the national best-seller, The Execution Factor which offers practical (and real) advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In this edition of our popular Money Matters series, Perell gives all budding entrepreneurs a reality check with her best money advice and financial tips to get your passion project off the ground. Just be ready to dream big and hustle hard.
Where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy?
“As my first company went bankrupt, and I self-funded my first startup, I relentlessly focused on the bottom line. As a business owner, you have to pay very close attention to all financials—incoming, outgoing, collections, cash flow—all the financial fundamentals, including growth and profitability.
What was your first big expense as a business owner?
“Great people make great companies, so you need to invest in people first and foremost. No one is successful alone! We all bring different strengths, talents, knowledge, and experience to the proverbial table. The more we can recognize, nurture, bridge, and leverage these differences, the more effective, productive, successful—and, ultimately, the happier we will be.”
How did you decide what to pay yourself?
“When I first started my company, I didn’t pay myself and I continued on that trend for a very long time, and continued to re-invest in the company.”
How did you decide what to pay employees?
“We would pay competitively based on market value in addition to equity, and I’m also a big believer in goals and paying on the achievement of goals. Setting specific financial goals for people and teams and the company creates a win/win. Everyone is successful and aligned.”
“As an entrepreneur, being close to the financials is key.”
What are your top three largest expenses every month?
1. People
2. Rent (we have 21 offices)
3. Technology infrastructure investment
How much do you spend on office space?
“My first office was my kitchen table and from there I moved up to a windowless storage room as our first official office. It’s a wonder anyone worked for us. We were extremely scrappy when we started. Big office leases have bankrupted many start-ups, so I encourage entrepreneurs to be conservative on big overhead commitments. Today, many years later, as a global tech company, the amount we spend on office space is significant, as we have 21 offices across the globe. Cost varies greatly by city and the number of people in a specific office. Our offices in the bay area, NYC, London, and Singapore are particularly expensive.”
How much do you spend on employee salaries?
“People make up the largest % of our overall budget.”
“For women to reach the highest levels of leadership, the ability to understand the numbers and metrics of a business (and the sector you operate in) is key, and women are generally exposed to this less. ”
How much are you saving? When did you start being able to save some of your income?
“I remember when I sold my first company in 2008. I was, ironically, in Vegas for a conference when the buyer wired the money into my account. I remember going to the ATM, and the cash file was so big, it exceeded the space on the receipt. I started jumping up and down just thinking, Oh, my gosh. I can’t believe this actually happened.’
“Then I went back to work. I worked so hard to get to that point and am so appreciative and grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given, that I must ensure that I continue to live a very responsible lifestyle. That was really the biggest turning point in my life. Up until that day, I was investing every dollar back into my company and I was finally able to see the reward from all my hard work.”
What apps or software are you using for finances? How did you decide when to hire a financial advisor?
“When I first started the company in 2003, I used Quickbooks and I ran all the financials myself. As an entrepreneur, being close to the financials is key, and I was especially aware as the company I was with previously went bankrupt. The keen understanding of the business metrics is also what enabled me to successfully sell the company later.”
Do you wish you’d done anything differently in your financial journey as a business owner?
“Dream bigger. While caution can be a good thing, don’t let it stop you from reaching your full potential. Allow yourself to dream bigger and reach for greater success. Now I think bigger and dream bigger in every aspect of my life. When you dream, dream big!
“Follow the two by two rule: it’s going to take twice as long as you think to achieve your goals, it’s going to cost twice as much, and you are not the exception. ”
Why should women talk about money?
“Everyone should talk about money, and especially women who tend to talk about it less. I would encourage women to ask more. Often times, success starts with an opportunity, and then delivering great results leads to more opportunities. If you’re stuck and don’t know how to get that first opportunity, the best way to start is by asking for what you want.
“Ask for the promotion. Ask for the raise. Ask for the opportunity. If you don’t ask, you won’t get. The worst thing that will happen is you don’t get it, but I’ve found that most of the time just the simple act of asking opens up the door to even more possibilities.
“For women to reach the highest levels of leadership, the ability to understand the numbers and metrics of a business (and the sector you operate in) is key, and women are generally exposed to this less. Understanding the numbers lets you speak the same language as everyone else, especially in management and leadership.
“Objective metrics also reduce the potential of gender bias because they are data-driven. I would encourage women to run towards the opportunity to gain exposure and understand the P&L and the financial fundamentals of your business and the sector you want to work in. Focus on how to improve and impact it in your role and in your team. Every role has some financial or key metric impact—how are you helping to drive revenue/growth, or profitability, i.e. reducing cost or allowing the business to gain greater leverage or increase efficiency.”
Do you have a financial mentor?
“My Dad. My dad was an entrepreneur who often struggled and he taught me the concept of having “F YOU” money, which means you should strive to always have enough money (at least six months worth of savings) so that you never have to rely on a job that doesn’t suit you. If you are financially in a position where you are not dependent on each paycheck, it will allow you to make better life decisions that are more aligned with the vision you want for your life.”
What is your best piece of financial/money advice for new entrepreneurs?
“I’ve become an active angel investor and I tell all entrepreneurs and the companies I invest in to follow the two by two rule: it’s going to take twice as long as you think to achieve your goals, it’s going to cost twice as much, and you are not the exception. To this day, I continually remind myself of this in whatever I’m doing financially, professionally, and personally whether I’m going to remodel a house and it’s going to cost me twice as much and take twice as long. If I’m going to buy a business at a certain amount, it’s going to cost me twice as much. Just knowing that it is going to cost more and it is going to take more time than anticipated helps create both the financial framework and the mindset.”
What was the biggest money lesson you learned since starting your company?
“How true the 2x2 rule is. Everything is going to take twice as long and cost twice as much as you originally thought.”
From Scratch: How This Founder Turned the Gut Health Trend Into a Best-Selling Beauty Brand
It’s an inside job.
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 Courtesy of: Create & Cultivate
Of all the interviews we’ve conducted at Create & Cultivate, one of the main messages we hear from successful founders is find a need, figure out the white space, and turn it into a business. But here’s the thing, finding your niche or that untapped market can be tricky: You could list all of your interests and passions and still come away feeling as if you haven't hit upon the singular thing you were meant to do.
When you do find it, you’re often faced with anxiety-inducing panic because you now realize you have to execute it and if you don’t move fast enough, someone could copy it! But the question is—is it better to get up and running and be the first to market, or wait around and do it right?
For Carla Oates, it was always about doing it right. Her entrance into the startup world was ignited by her desire to see change. During her time as a beauty editor, Oates felt frustrated by the industry’s lack of transparency about the potentially harmful effects of their products and couldn’t stand idly by while people used ineffective chemicals to treat their skin. This is how she came to start The Beauty Chef, a company revolving around the concept that “beauty begins in the belly.”
Oates is no stranger to struggles with health and skincare. Dealing with eczema and allergies since childhood, she learned from an early age the strong connection between one’s mind and body. Oates is a firm believer that taking a holistic approach to skincare and wellness will make your skin brighter and healthier than any cosmetic product could achieve.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Oates to share her journey from blogger and stylist to beauty guru and author of best-seller Feeding Your Skin, The Beauty Chef Gut Guide, and The Beauty Chef recipe book.
Did you write a business plan?
“When I first started out I didn’t have a business plan. I had no idea about the business. I had created the product now known as GLOW™ Inner Beauty Powder and developed a simple website where customers could purchase the product online. From there the business grew very organically, and it wasn’t until the third year when I saw a substantial increase in demand across various different retail channels that I felt it necessary to create a strategy and business plan to support the additional growth.”
How did you come up with the name? What was the process like?
“In 2009, when I brought my first product, GLOW™ Inner Beauty Powder to market, the business was actually called Carla Oates Beauty. At the time I was also giving a lot of talks at various organic and beauty expos around how to make natural recipes for skin health using raw ingredients. I’d been deliberating on whether I wanted my name to be the brand name or to keep it separate. Around this time I started titling my talks—as well as my regular column in Australia’s Sunday Telegraph—as The Beauty Chef.
“As the business grew it made more and more sense to streamline my talks, the brand, and the products to this name. My very first product that launched in 2009 was called Carla Oates Beauty Inner Beauty Powder and in 2012 I decided to change the name of the brand to The Beauty Chef as I felt it was a strong, more cohesive representation of what I was doing. This decision also helped in separating me from my brand—our mission to help people be the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves has always been bigger than one person.”
What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business?
“All of the above! Website domain, business name, and trademark. Setting up our socials didn’t come until a little later.”
“I knew looking after your skin properly was an inside out job.”
What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?
“Research came in the form of my personal journey to creating The Beauty Chef, which really stems from my own skin and gut health issues and that of my family’s. As a child, I suffered from eczema and allergies and my mum took me to see a naturopath who dramatically changed what I ate, removing processed foods as well as allergens such as gluten and dairy from my diet. My allergies and eczema subsided, so I experienced firsthand the connection of food as medicine—that what we eat can affect our skin and health.
“As a journalist in my early career, I landed a job as a beauty editor for a mainstream newspaper and was inundated with lots of beauty products from mass-market brands. My excitement soon dissipated, after researching the ingredients and becoming increasingly concerned about the many toxic chemicals in skincare products. Women from all over Australia were writing into my column asking for advice on what products to use for their eczema, psoriasis, acne and other chronic skin issues. I knew looking after your skin properly was an inside out job from my own experience with eczema, and knew that none of these chemical-laden products would actually help, heal or regenerate their skin.
“I decided to make it my mission to help change the paradigm in the beauty industry and help educate women on how to look after their skin in a healthier and more holistic way. So I left the newspaper, wrote a book with Penguin books in 2004 called Feeding Your Skin and became the natural beauty writer for Wellbeing magazine, who I still write for today. I also penned a natural beauty column called DIY Beauty for the Sunday Telegraph newspaper for eight years, and during that time wrote hundreds of articles on natural health and beauty. I was the ambassador for organic skincare for the Biological Farmers of Australia for nearly two decades and am currently an ambassador for Australian Organic.
“Interestingly, when my daughter also experienced eczema and allergies, around 12 years ago, when she was about ten, I eliminated trigger foods like dairy and gluten from her diet, but I also started researching the link between gut health and skin health and found some of the studies very interesting. As I explored this link more closely, I decided to put my family on a gut-healing protocol which included eliminating certain foods from our diet but also introducing lots of Lacto-fermented wholefoods teeming with beneficial bacteria aka probiotics into our diet. These included foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi. As I began to experiment in my kitchen at home, Lacto-fermenting a variety of whole foods, I realized I was onto something.
“Friends and family also took notice, asking what I was doing differently as my skin was glowing and I quickly became the local beauty pusher and supplier of these fermented foods as they became in high demand from everyone from neighbors, friends, and family. They found they had better energy, happier tummies, and healthier, more radiant skin. From here in 2009, the first iteration of GLOW™ Inner Beauty Powder was born, my first inner beauty product containing 24 bio-fermented superfoods with prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, glowing skin, and wellbeing.”
How did you find the manufacturer/production facility that you use? Did you have any bad experiences? What did you learn?
“Like a true journalist, I found our manufacturer through research. I did have some interesting experiences, to begin with as I was just starting out. The orders and quantities I was placing were modest and not in line with their usual requirements for minimum runs so I had to convince them and gain their buy-in that the business would grow. A key piece of advice I would pass on to anyone starting out is to ensure you have all correspondence in email so that there’s a record of the conversations. Also, be very clear about what you will and will not accept in your products.
“The processes and ingredients must be compliant with your brand philosophy; it’s important to be persistent, strong and dogged with your manufacturer from the onset as you don’t have the buying power and protection of bigger brands. Ensure that you obtain a solid, rigorous supply agreement from them early on to guarantee best practice is maintained between both parties.”
““I began the company with a few thousand dollars.””
Did you self-fund the company? Did you raise seed money or initial investment money? Why/Why not?
“The Beauty Chef products came from a genuine need rather than the approach of setting out to start a business, so I began the company with a few thousand dollars—$5000 to be exact. My first big break in a commercial sense came when I was approached by an agent at TVSN, the TV home shopping network here in Australia to sell GLOW™. In order to facilitate this opportunity, I funded the first run of products myself. GLOW™ was received very positively, meaning I needed more money to up the quantities that were being produced, so my sister and a best friend invested in the business and are still shareholders. To this day, GLOW™ is the number one seller in TVSN’s health category—and the continued success helped inject capital into my business.
“My biggest piece of advice to those starting out would be to do as much as you can yourself and remember that debt is always cheaper than giving away equity in your business. For me, keeping control of the brand in order to execute the vision without it being diluted has been paramount. That said, it really depends on the individual brand. Variables like growth and capital requirements can be important for attracting investors from a strategic and funding perspective, but it must be the right person(s) who can further amplify your growth and share the vision. The right partnerships are very important—PR, manufacturing, investors, etc.”
How much did you pay yourself? How did you know what to pay yourself? (You don’t have to give the $ value, just the percentage)
“Nothing for the first year. Following that, I paid myself $600 AUD a week for another year, and it went up incrementally from there. I supplemented this income by doing writing work for magazines.”
How big is your team now? What has the hiring process like?
“We now have 30 full-time staff at our head office in Sydney, Australia. Up until about two years ago when I brought on an external HR company, I did it all myself. I had no experience but knew I needed to find the right people with the right skillset. Do not compromise to fill a headcount. Be sure to follow your gut and to ensure that the person is the right cultural fit for the company. It also helps if the person has an interest in the brand mission, as their passion will run deeper if they have that personal interest that pulls them towards the product and philosophy.”
Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and set up?
“Yes. I hired an external accountant to help with taxes but I made all the financial decisions to begin with, which was a huge learning curve. I hired my first in-house account two years ago which helped alleviate the pressure from me enormously. One of the most important things I’ve learned when you start a business is to find a good accountant. In my experience, this is not easy. It is really important to understand the finances of your company and have a good understanding of taxes, tax concessions, grants, etc. So even if you are not all over the small details, you can pick up if something doesn’t look right. My advice is to ask questions! Continue learning and use your common sense. I ran a lean ship at the beginning, and kept overheads really, really low checking on cash flow and production flow charts each week and often on a daily basis.”
“Do not compromise to fill a headcount. Be sure to follow your gut and to ensure that the person is the right cultural fit for the company.”
“Look after your gut, be gutsy and follow your gut instinct!”
How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?
“I had worked as a fashion stylist and beauty editor for several years so I had exposure to PR and marketing but no direct experience. I remember when I first launched GLOW™, beauty editors, while being baffled, were also intrigued, so it received a lot of attention from the media. As a result of a piece written on the product in Vogue Australia, the buyer from the Farmers department store in New Zealand called me and said that she had seen a story on the product in a magazine and bought it from my website. She was amazed by the results and said she would love to stock it but there was nowhere to put it on the shelves—no category for it, and that it was way too ahead of its time.
“As you can imagine, pioneering a category means you need big marketing spend to educate people about a new concept. So with very limited marketing spend, and no awareness of the category, how was I to market this new product and concept? With no shelves to put it on?
“You can’t ever underestimate the power of word of mouth! Our product worked—and people talked about it— they told their neighbors who told their aunts, their work colleagues, their cousins. And then once TVSN caught wind of it and asked me to sell it on live television this gave me national reach and a fantastic platform to educate the customer about the concept and it resonated with them.”
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?
“Not creating a business plan from the outset and not having a deeper understanding of margins and profitability. I had picked the most expensive raw ingredients and chosen a fermentation process that takes 6-8 weeks. Neither of these things is commercially viable yet ultimately has set the brand apart. Funnily we haven’t been able to partner with a distributor as our products cost so much to manufacture however it has worked in our favor, as The Beauty Chef has become known for quality and efficacy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have?
“Look after your gut, be gutsy and follow your gut instinct!”
Shop some of our The Beauty Chef favorites:
Collagen Inner Beauty Boost
$50
Body Inner Beauty Powder
$70
Well Spray Inner Beauty Support
$29