"Be That Shoulder to Lean on for the Next Woman" and More Empowering Moments From Our LA 2020 Conference
Mic-drop moments courtesy of Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Lauren Conrad, and more.
On February 22nd, we brought our biggest conference of the year to our hometown, Los Angeles. Attendees were armed with their boss babe energy and ready to be inspired by all the panels, keynote, and pop-ups that rocked our socks off. Over a thousand amazing women (and a few men) joined us at the transformed Rolling Greens Nursery downtown for all the mic-drop moments.
We learned from the greatest about everything from how to build billion-dollar businesses (yes, with a capital B) to the future of the wellness industry to what true inclusivity in the boardroom looks like, and so much more. Between hearing from our heroes (hello, Jessica Simpson, Eva Mendes, and Jessica Alba), eating delicious food, sipping on oat milk lattes, shopping the pop-up market, and, of course, snapping the most Instagram-worthy photos, the day was certainly one to remember.
If you missed this one, don’t stress, we captured it all for you. Read on for all the inspirational moments and quotes worth adding to your vision board.
Morning Keynote: On Building a Billion-Dollar Business With Jessica Simpson
Panelists:
Jessica Simpson | Author, Entertainer, and Entrepreneur
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On making mistakes…
"We are all figuring it out and that’s okay—figuring it out is the fun part. It is through the mistakes that we can find the leader within us."
On asking for help...
"It’s important to put ego aside and look to someone who can help guide you who’s really passionate about what they do."
On being generous with compliments...
"I know how good a compliment feels—it can really change your day."
On designing for women of all sizes…
"I don’t ever want to exclude a customer. I’ve been every size there is, and in those moments, I felt I deserved a nice outfit."
On leading a team...
"I have a team of just eight women, and these ladies are all so unique and effortlessly themselves, and in every approval meeting, everyone leaves their ego at the door."
"I don’t look at myself as the boss. In so many ways, they teach me."
On wearing heels...
"The taller I feel, the more confident I feel."
Mirror Mirror: An In-Depth Dive Into the Ever-Evolving Business of Beauty, Health, and Wellness
Panelists:
Monica Veloz | Content Creator
Stephane Colleu | President and CEO, Dr. Brandt Skincare
Sarah Kieny | Senior Director of Marketing, Not Your Mother’s Haircare
Karilyn Anderson | Vice President, Digital, Bliss
Kiana Reeves | Chief Brand Educator, Foria
Moderator:
Sara Tan | Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor at Bustle
On taking risks…
“Sometimes you lose, but you learn.” - Stephane Colleu
On marketing strategy...
"One of our main focuses this year is to create more of an emotional connection with our customers." - Sarah Kieny
On the next generation of shoppers...
“She wants to know the brands and she wants the brand to know her.” - Karilyn Anderson
On building a brand with purpose…
"If you’re making products that are profoundly impacting people's lives in really deep ways, you’ll be successful." - Kiana Reeves
On partnering with brands...
"I’ve been extremely grateful to work with people and brands who want me to be myself." - Monica Veloz
Secure the Bag: How to Pitch for Profit, Raise Money for Your Business, and Land Six-Figure Deals
Panelists:
Lori Harder | Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, and Founder & CEO
Kosha Shah Eisenberg | Licensing and Ventures, UTA Ventures
Shiza Shahid | Co-Founder, Malala Fund, Our Place, & Now Ventures
Raina Penchansky | Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Brand Architects
Sherry Jhawar | Co-Founder, Blended Strategy Group
Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard International
Moderator:
Bhavagna Bhattiprolu | Vice President, Blended Strategy Group
On networking…
“Everyone has access to a network, there isn't a magical one that others have and you don't, you just have to go out and build it” - Kosha Shah Eisenberg
“Everything in my life has come from cold emailing. My business partner cold emailed me and now we own a business together” - Sherry Jhawar
On finding investors…
“Once the big funds miss out on deals with women, they realize they need to start investing in women and take them more seriously.” - Shiza Shahid
On not having it all figured out...
“Something that has freed me recently, and I wish I knew when I first had this idea, was how little people actually know when they launch their ideas.” - Lori Harder
On failing...
“Failure can come in if you only focus on passion. Because even if you have great passion, you still need to get up every day and do the dishes.” - Ginger Siegel
But Make It Fashion: How to Sell Style and Make a Splash in the Fashion Industry
Panelists:
Anine Bing | Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing
Clare Vivier | Founder & CEO, Claire V
Emily Jackson | Founder and Creative Director, IVL Collective/Influencer/Ivory Lane
Rachel Pally | Founder and Designer, Rachel Pally
Denise Vasi | Digital Entrepreneur and Founder, Maed
Lindsay Albanese | Founder & Inventor
Moderator:
Natalie Alcala | Founder, Fashion Mamas
On taking the leap...
“If you know your passion, you can’t fight it. At a certain point, you have to take the leap.” - Clare Vivier
"What’s the worst that can happen? Someone says 'no?' Ask someone else." - Rachel Pally
On building a brand/launching a business...
"You have to have a really good idea and be ready to roll your sleeves up because it’s really fucking hard to build a brand." - Anine Bing
"I just knew that I wanted something that wasn’t out there. I wanted my activewear to be fashion-focused and I didn’t want to compromise." - Emily Jackson
2020 vision…
“I’m constantly reminding myself to enjoy the journey. It’s not always celebrating the shining moments.” - Lindsay Albanese
On self-care…
“Self-care is just as important as that client meeting.” - Denise Vasi
Bossing Up: How to Build a Brand, Market, and Create a Culture That Consumers Love While Making Money
Panelists:
Rachel Curry | Director, Marketing Owned Channels, Volvo
Emily Zwerner | Director, Marketing Communications, OLLY
Dianna Cohen | Founder & CEO, Crown Affair
Kristyn Clark | Director of Brand Communications, Shake Shack
Kim Walls | CEO & Co-Founder, Furtuna Skin
Becca Tilley | Content Creator & Podcast Host, “Scrubbing In”
Colleen Stauffer | Global Business & Creator Marketing, Pinterest
Moderator:
Ali Grant | Founder, Be Social Group
On overcoming the fear of asking for help…
“Ask for help. There are so many people in the industry that seem intimidating, but if you ask for help, they are so willing to give it to you. Don’t be scared to ask for help” - Becca Tilley
On trusting in your own abilities…
“I’ve realized how important it is to trust in your own abilities. You realize no one really knows what they're doing, so when you get comfortable with your skills and start trusting yourself it changes the game.” - Kristyn Clark
On building a brand with purpose…
“Things happen when you know you have an idea you are passionate about.” - Dianna Cohen
On when you feel like a boss…
“When my team gets recognized, I feel like a boss. When the credit goes to them, it makes me feel so good.” - Rachel Curry
On launching Olly in a crowded market…
“Yeah, the category is saturated, but there had been no change. It was a market that was ripe for disruption.” - Emily Zwerner
On transparency…
“Transparency really means having standards and defining standards so you can communicate it in a way that people get immersed in it.” - Kim Walls
On telling your story…
“Tell your origin story. That’s really important when building a brand. It makes it really human and brings the human element to the brand.” - Colleen Stauffer
Triple Threat: Meet the Multi-Hyphenate Moguls Making It Happen
Panelists:
Keltie Knight | ET Correspondent & Co-Creator LadyGang Podcast
Stassi Schroeder | New York Times Bestselling Author, Reality TV Star, & Podcast Host
Gabi Gregg | Body-Positive Designer & Influencer
Mamrie Hart | Comedian, Author, & Co-Host This Might Get Weird Podcast
Rachel Parcell | Fashion Blogger & Designer, Pink Peonies
Alyson Stoner | Actress, Dancer, and Podcast Host, Simplexity
Katrina Scott | Co-Founder, Tone It Up
Moderator:
Reesa Lake | Executive Vice President of Brand Partnerships, Digital Brand Architects
On choosing a multi-hyphen career path…
"A hobby isn’t a hustle, they’re not the same thing." - Keltie Knight
On being patient…
“The glamorous moment is at the end. Don’t feel bad that it will take a long time to get anything made.” Mamrie Hart
On building a team…
"I love to do everything myself, but that is one of the biggest weaknesses of an entrepreneur." - Katrina Scott
“Network, put yourself out there, connect with people. You can’t do it alone, you need to utilize incredibly talented people to get to the next level." - Rachel Parcell
On navigating self-doubt…
“It takes time and patience to make money.” - Stassi Schroeder
On simplexity…
“It was about creating a middle ground. To give a microphone to people doing the real work, I wanted to be able to shift the attention to greater issues.” - Alyson Stoner
On building a community-first brand…
"If you’re looking to be the next Instagram influencer, creating your vision first and letting people get to know you, and launching your product much later, is the best way to go." - Gabi Gregg
Soft Is Strong: How Taking a Softer Approach Can Be Positive and Have a Powerful Impact on Your Career—Powered by Nivea
Panelists:
Noor Tagouri | Rethink Soft Storyteller, Journalist, Touring Speaker and Entrepreneur
Jaclyn Lindsey | Co-Founder & CEO, Kindness.org
Adrienne Bosh | CEO, Activist, Philanthropist, & Entrepreneur
Gina Ybarra | Content Creator, Hunt for Styles
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder & CEO, Create & Cultivate
On leading with kindness…
“When you are leading in a kind capacity, you are more respected. There is an effect on employee engagement and wellbeing when you lead with kindness.” - Jaclyn Lindsey
On positivity on social media…
“I like to share positivity and good energy because I believe it comes back to us.” - Adrienne Bosh
On a strength that is seen as a weakness…
“I am extremely patient and my blood runs slow. People think it's a bad thing, but I just try to think before I talk so I don’t hurt anyone.” - Gina Ybarra
On the future of media…
“Media shapes the way we view people, culture, and society. Because of this, we have a huge responsibility.” - Noor Tagouri
OLLY Office Hours With Antoni Porowski
Panelist:
Antoni Porowski | TV Personality, Actor, Author, and Home Cook
Moderator:
Kirbie Johnson | Reporter and Co-Host, Gloss Angeles Podcast
On pursuing your passion...
"Even if you don’t believe in yourself, know what you’re interested in."
"Work is important but our lives are so fucking short. You’ve got to be passionate about it."
On organically partnering with OLLY…
“We were heading to Tokyo to film Queer Eye and I picked up a sample of the OLLY Sleep gummies because I’m a terrible plane sleeper, and I posted an Instagram story and they ended up contacting me about it because that’s how social media works.”
On meditating each day…
“It’s a little moment with myself where I try to get centered. Five minutes are better than no minutes.”
On social media…
“When you put yourself out there, that part of you is no longer yours. But at the same time, people who are watching want you to be organic.”
On mental health…
“I think pursuing mental health is just connecting with other people and having an empathetic approach.”
My 2020 vision is ...
“Taking what I’ve learned from Queer Eye, in that being of service to others is what my purpose is and trying to implement that in my personal life, working life and making sure that 90% of what I do has meaning and that I’m contributing to the world.”
2020 Vision: A Conversation on Wellness in the New Decade, Powered by iHERB
Panelists:
Britney Vest | Founder, Fitty Britttty, and Co-Founder, Confident Collective
Dr. Deepika Chopra | Optimism Doctor, Happiness Researcher, and Founder, Things Are Looking Up
Lauren Kleban | Founder and CEO, LEKfitKirbie Johnson | Reporter, Producer, & Podcast Co-Host, Gloss Angeles
Kirbie Johnson | Reporter and Co-Host, Gloss Angeles Podcast
Moderator:
Suzanne Hall | Co-Founder and Editor in Chief, The Chalkboard
On body positivity…
“For me, body positivity is truly learning to love yourself every day exactly as you are in this moment” - Britney Vest
On taking work home...
“You're devaluing yourself because you are only paid to work from 9-5.” - Kirbie Johnson
On mental health…
“I learned very quickly to keep blinders on—don’t be in a position where you compare yourself to others.” - Lauren Kleban
On being an optimist…
“Being an optimist doesn’t mean skipping around fields or always having a perfect day, it’s about being someone that sees setbacks as temporary and knowing you have the power to overcome them.” - Dr. Deepika Chopra
Inspired Inclusivity: Creating Cultures and Companies Where Everyone Belongs
Panelists:
Nyma Tang | Beauty Influencer & Inclusivity Advocate
Adrienne Houghton | Singer, Actress, Talk Show Host, Lifestyle Personality, & Entrepreneur
Shahd Batal | Model, YouTube Star, & Influencer
Arnell Armon | YouTuber & Influencer
Sunita V. | Influencer
Moderator:
Randi Bryant | Sista-Intendent, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist
On the future of inclusivity...
"We need to stop taking baby steps. I want to jump, I want to leap. I want to see everyone represented." - Shahd Batal
On having the courage to make your voice heard…
“Anytime that I’ve done something that was genuine, kept it real, that’s when doors would open for me.” - Adrienne Houghton
On representation...
“I think brands really need to look internally and ask, ‘Why haven’t we created these shades? Why are they ashy? And do we have people in boardrooms who can speak up?’” - Nyma Tang
"It definitely helps when you see another person with their confidence and how they represent themself." - Sunita V.
On representation in work culture…
“You’re hiring black influencers but there are no black people on your team. Actually hire us and work with us.” - Arnell Armon
From Side Hustle to CEO: How to Quit Your Day Job and Start Your Biz
Panelists:
Ellyette Gheno | CEO & Founder, BootayBag
Hillary Kerr | Co-Founder & Chief Content Officer, Who What Wear
Marianna Hewitt | Co-Founder, Summer Fridays
Tera Peterson | Esthetician & Co-Founder of NuFACE
Jesse Margolis | Founder, Overheard
Tiffany Paul | Founder & CEO, Slept
Moderator:
Yola Roberts | Host of I Suck at Life Podcast and Senior Contributor, Forbes
On taking risks…
“Taking the risk isn’t always pretty or safe.” - Tiffany Paul
“Don’t sit and ponder too long about what you’ll do, otherwise you’ll never get off the ground.” - Tera Peterson
On raising money...
“When raising money, you should do it slowly—it’s like dating, you have to meet as many people as possible and really get to know who will work for you.” - Marianna Hewitt
On putting in the time…
“You owe it to yourself to make the time for your business and see where it goes.” - Hillary Kerr
On advice for hiring…
“Don’t hire your best friends.” - Ellyette Gheno
On social media saturation…
We are fatigued by all the content we see, but it becomes clearer when it is authentic. -Jesse Margolis
Powerhouse Panel: Meet the Women Shattering the Glass Ceiling and Owning the C-Suite
Panelists:
Suzanne Lerner | Co-Founder & President, Michael Stars
Katie Jackson | Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Jackson Family Wines
Elizabeth Chambers Hammer | Founder & CEO of BIRD Bakery
Daria Burke | CMO, Just Fab
Sona Gasparian | Founder, Persona Cosmetics
Deepica Mutyala | Founder & CEO, Live Tinted
Julie Smolyansky | CEO, Lifeway
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On sending cold DMs…
“You never know who will respond and what it will lead to. That’s how Bobbi Brown became an investor in my company, I just DM’d her.” - Deepica Mutyala
On challenges...
“Every challenge and every lesson is getting you where you’re going.” - Elizabeth Chambers Hammer
On tapping into your community...
“We have ‘Meet the VIP’ events all the time, we bring women into our office all the time and ask them what they want.” - Daria Burke
On self-funding a business…
“We used our savings, we actually had just gotten married and we were saving money for a house, and decided to use that money to launch the business instead.” - Sona Gasparian
On sustainability…
“The reason we do it is because we believe it is the right thing to do.” - Katie Jackson
On building a social conscious brand…
“Think about something you care about, think about something your customers care about, that will be the start of what you can do.” - Suzanne Lerner
On vision for the company…
“The gut is having a moment and there is a party happening in the gut.” - Julie Smolyansky
From Influence to Industry: How These Women Are Turning Their Platforms Into Profit
Panelists:
Tia Mowry | Actress, Chef, Producer, Author, Wife, & Mother
Chriselle Lim | Influencer & Entrepreneur
Heather Dubrow | Performer, Author, Entrepreneur, & Podcast Host, Heather Dubrow's World
Desi Perkins | Digital Content Creator
Jera Foster-Fell | Content Creator
Moderator:
Zuri Hall | Entertainment Reporter, TV Personality, and Actress
On connecting with followers…
“Letting your guard down is when you create magic with your community.” - Jera Foster-Fell
On evolving…
“I don’t like when people say ‘stay in your lane,’ you can be in every lane as long as it’s who you are.” - Heather Dubrow
On where to focus your financial energy…
“Invest your energy and money into the people around you. It’s probably one of the only reasons why I’m still here.” - Chriselle Lim
On staying true to yourself...
“I've never been the person to follow trends, I just stay true to who I am. Everyone is telling you to be a certain way to make money, and I've never bought into that.” - Tia Mowry
“Sharing things that aren't picture perfect is important.” - Desi Perkins
WorkParty Live: Gail Becker, Caulipower Founder & CEO
Talent:
Gail Becker | Founder & CEO, Caulipower
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On raising money…
“Just because you can raise more money doesn’t mean that you should. It’s just going to make you more beholden and tie more constraints on you.”
On hiring...
“One mistake that entrepreneurs often make is that they think they have to know everything. You know what you know and you hire people to fill in the gaps.”
On betting on yourself...
“I took a risk and bet on myself. That’s the hardest part. If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will.”
On working a side hustle and a 9-5…
“I was working in corporate America and worked my way up to the top of the firn and didn't like the view.”
“I left my job and hired consultants, and basically, I paid them to teach me. I knew enough to hire people who knew more than me.”
On double standards...
“One thing I can assure you is there’s no man standing up and saying, ‘I’m worried about being too pushy’.”
On loyalty…
“Loyalty early on means everything.”
Keynote: Eva Mendes & Greg Scott
Panelists:
Eva Mendes | Actress and Fashion Designer of the Eva Mendes Collection in Partnership With New York & Company
Greg Scott | Chief Executive Officer, RTW Retailwinds Inc.
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On career dreams...
“My dream wasn't to be an actress or a designer but to be financially independent.” - Eva Mendes
On failing…
“I don’t believe in failed businesses. When a project isn’t successful, that’s when I learn the most” - Eva Mendes
On affordability...
“I grew up here in L.A., very, very lower-middle-class, and that’s still in me. I’m not a spender, I look at price. I will always be that girl, and I like that about myself.” - Eva Mendes
On finding a niche...
“Do something that you love and do one thing really well. Solve a problem. Don’t make stuff to make stuff, make stuff to solve an everyday issue.” - Greg Scott
“The challenge is to look for something that fills a niche and do it really well. Don't go too wide.” - Greg Scott
On ambition...
"The word ‘ambition’ to me has never been a dirty word. I’m very ambitious but what I am ambitious about changes. It’s always there, it ebbs and flows.” - Eva Mendes
On inclusivity...
"I’ve always thought the fashion industry was a bit archaic in that way. I never understood why there was only one form of beauty." - Eva Mendes
On sustainability...
"In the future, customers will not be buying clothes upon clothes upon clothes." - Greg Scott
Passion, Purpose, & Profit: A Roundtable Conversation on Building Businesses With Love With Lauren Conrad, Hannah Skvarla, & Jessica Alba
Panelists:
Lauren Conrad | Designer, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, & Co-Founder of the Nonprofit The Little Market
Hannah Skvarla | CEO & Co-Founder of the Nonprofit The Little Market
Jessica Alba | Founder, The Honest Company
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On building a team...
"We always look for mission-driven employees. Skill and experience can be learned but attitude and mindset can’t." - Hannah Skvarla
"If you’re really good at your job but you have a bad attitude and you’re not fun to be around the whole office can feel that." - Hannah Skvarla
"Hire someone you'd want to be stuck in an airport with for five hours." - Jessica Alba
On social entrepreneurship...
"If you do care about any social entrepreneurship, it has to be part of your concept from day one." - Jessica Alba
On paying it forward to fellow female founders...
"All you can do is work really really hard to get in a position where you can show kindness to other women." - Lauren Conrad
"Be that shoulder to lean on for the next woman." - Jessica Alba
On being a leader...
"There is no right way. I can tell you I fell on my face many times. I continue to try and learn about how to be a good leader." - Jessica Alba
On opting for a nonprofit business model...
"From day one, we just went after this as a nonprofit. Our main goal was to help women and reach as many as possible." - Lauren Conrad
See more photos from the event!
Photography: Smith House Photo
"We're Stronger in Numbers" and Other Magical Moments From the First-Ever Polka Dot Summit
Career advice from Alex Morgan, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Katie Sturino, and more.
On January 25th & 26th, 2020, Create & Cultivate joined forces with Disney's Minnie Mouse for the first-ever Polka Dot Summit in honor of National Polka Dot Day. We celebrated in true Create & Cultivate fashion by inviting modern-day muses to the stage who, like Minnie, are bold, fun, fashionable, and classic—and, most importantly, inspire people all over the world to be positively themselves.
It was a jam-packed two days filled with major mic-drop moments. Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott of Tone It Up kicked things off with a heart-pumping workout, Dr. Deepika Chopra taught us how to cultivate happiness (and led a spontaneous dance party), Disney character artists Jeff Shelly and Miran Kim showed us how to draw Minnie and her other pals, and Minnie herself spread joy everywhere she went. To everyone who came, thank you for joining us—and to those who couldn’t make it, don’t sweat it. Below, we’ve compiled the key takeaways from our positively inspiring weekend with Minnie and the gang.
Read on for the sagest soundbites from our panelists and keynote speakers, including Lindsay Peoples Wagner, the editor in chief of Teen Vogue, Katie Sturino, the founder of The 12ish Style and Megababe, Alex Morgan, the co-captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and more.
Panel: Positively You—How to Cultivate Confidence Inside and Out
Panelists:
Quigley | Influencer & Content Creator
Aysha Harun | Content Creator
Jaci Marie Smith | Content Creator and Podcast Co-Host, What We Said
Glen "Coco" Oropeza | Celebrity Hair Stylist, Glen Coco for Hair
Paige Adams-Geller | Co-Founder & Creative Director, PAIGE
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On overcoming fear…
“One of the biggest things that I had to teach myself is that everything is on the other side of fear.”—Glen "Coco" Oropeza
“That moment when you search inside—and you put on the blinders, and you tune out the noise, and you believe in yourself—that’s when change happens.”—Paige Adams-Geller
“It’s easy for someone to give you an idea, but it takes courage and bravery and momentum to put it into action and make it yourself.”—Paige Adams-Geller
On being positively you…
“With any insecurity, be it with a birthmark, your weight, or the size of your feet it'll be with you until you leave, so embrace it.”—Aysha Harun
“When it comes down to it, I want to share things I love, so people who gravitate to that are the community I’ve built.”—Jaci Marie Smith
On navigating negativity in the comments section…
“Constructive criticism can be helpful, but I only try to take advice and criticism from people I admire and respect and who have my best interests in mind.”—Jaci Marie Smith
“Whoever made the comment is probably suffering or hurting, so I just take a moment to say, ‘I wish you well,’ and then I go on with my day.”—Quigley
“If you know yourself, then negative comments won’t affect you as much.”—Aysha Harun
“I never give it any energy—I think it’s a waste of time. To me, it’s just bad juju.”—Glen "Coco" Oropeza
On knowing your worth…
“One of the best pieces of advice I learned early on was know your worth and don't be afraid to say no to an opportunity.”—Aysha Harun
“Should I do it for that low rate? I don’t think I should because it brings the whole industry down. They’ll keep hunting for someone who will do it for that low rate. If you accept those low rates, then everyone does poorly because of that.”—Glen "Coco" Oropeza
On investing in yourself…
“Investing in yourself is so important. I think it’s so important to set aside a little money to make sure you're going to grow.”—Aysha Harun
Panel: Keynote Conversation With Lindsay Peoples Wagner
Panelist:
Lindsay Peoples Wagner | Editor in Chief, Teen Vogue
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On achieving success at a young age…
“I still hustle. It is still always a hustle—don’t be fooled.”
On being Teen Vogue’s editor in chief…
“Everything we do is about making young people feel seen and heard.”
“I’ve been careful about giving people chances that other people wouldn’t.”
On seeking out a mentor…
“Don’t wait for someone to save you or give you the keys.”
On finding work-life balance…
“The general rule is that I don’t do anything on the weekends, the only person I see is my husband I watch ‘Law and Order’ and ‘CSI’ and I zone out.”
On loving the color red...
“I felt like I needed a boost when I was starting in fashion and I wasn’t wearing head to toe designer.”
On defining your personal style…
“A lot of times, it’s just trying and not being so scared to take a little bit of a risk.”
Panel: Bold Moves—How to Fashion the Life and Career You Love
Panelists:
Jeanette Ogden | Founder, Shut the Kale Up
Gemma Correll | Cartoonist, Writer, Illustrator, GemmaCorrell.com
Meghan Rienks | Influencer, Actress, Author, and Podcast Co-Host, Don’t Blame the Pod
Noelle Scaggs | Singer-Songwriter, Fitz & The Tantrums; Food + Travel Influencer, Adventures With Scaggs, LLC.
Brittany Sky | Creator, Artist, DJ
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On building community…
“It’s so powerful to have community because it truly builds you up. We’re all in this together we should all be building each other up.”—Jeanette Ogden
On staying true to yourself and your brand...
"I think you can tell when someone isn’t being authentic with their artwork, there’s just something off about it."—Gemma Correll
"If you really believe in what you’re doing, you’ll find a throughline."—Meghan Rienks
"It’s about allowing yourself to really shine and not be afraid to show that off."—Noelle Scaggs
"I say ‘no’ to a ton of stuff. It’s my favorite word."—Meghan Rienks
On overcoming challenges…
"There are going to be people who punch at you every day, and you have to remember that, at the end of the day, you’re the one who walks in your shoes, not them."—Noelle Scaggs
On taking risks…
"When you're fashioning your career, it's about not being afraid to change your stripes every now and then."—Noelle Scaggs
“If you feel it in your gut and you know what you’re passionate about, just take the leap because what’s the worst thing that could happen?”—Brittany Sky
On dealing with rejection…
"They’re not saying no to you, they’re saying no to your offer, so don’t take it personally."—Brittany Sky
On partnering with brands...
"I want to make a long-term brand, this isn’t just a get rich right now thing. I want to be honest with my followers because they’re my friends, my family."—Jeanette Ogden
"This isn’t ad space, this is my diary."—Jeanette Ogden
"I’m just really upfront and forward and I know what I want and what I like and I know myself and my audience."—Meghan Rienks
On doing what makes you happy…
"As long as you’re doing what makes you happy, you’re going to see the money."—Brittany Sky
On breaking through creative blocks...
"I read, preferably something that has nothing to do with what I’m trying to do."—Gemma Correll
Panel: Keynote Conversation With Katie Sturino
Panelist:
Katie Sturino | Founder of The 12ish Style and Megababe
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On Minnie Mouse as a style icon…
“I love that she is bold with style and fashion and print. She’s a curvy girl and she’s not afraid to rock color.”
On launching 12ish…
“People didn’t understand and still, to a certain extent, don’t understand how to talk about size.”
“This is a blog for people who feel ignored by the fashion industry.”
“I was trying to provide hacks, but it really turned into a body acceptance movement way beyond clothes.”
“Just like myself, people were really desperate to find a fashion blog where they saw a body that looks like theirs.”
On creating #MakeMySize…
“It wasn’t meant to be a callout culture thing, it’s much more about letting the brands know that I want to wear their clothes.”
“It’s the part in ‘Pretty Woman’ where she walks in with the cash. That’s me every time—I have the cash.”
On the importance of diversifying…
“If it wasn’t a job 10 years ago, who’s to say it’ll be a job 10 years from now.”
On hiring the right people…
“I need someone who never looks at me and says, ‘That’s not in my job description.’”
On finding inspiration…
“I really like surrounding myself with inspiring women. It’s very inspiring to just see someone doing it.”
On authenticity…
“It’s important to be the kind of person that people feel like they can be real with.”
On being an entrepreneur…
“People are always trying to put out the success vibe, like #flyingprivate, but I’m like, #iminataxi.”
On her legacy…
“I want to be known for making people feel good.”
Panel: Keynote Conversation With Alex Morgan
Panelist:
Alex Morgan | Co-Captain, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On taking risks…
“You’re never going to get the reward unless you take the risk.”
On being a pressure performer…
“What’s really helped me in pressure-intense situations is the self-belief that I have and betting on myself.”
On supporting other women…
"We’re stronger in numbers."
On starting an apparel company with her teammates…
"We wanted to invest in ourselves and it paid off."
On the importance of sports…
"There’s so much that sport can give you that you can’t learn otherwise."
On the state of gender equality in sports…
“We won’t stop until we’re not discriminated against at all. Until we’re given the same opportunity to do what we love and make the same amount.”
“We’ve tried to educate people on the fact that we do make as much revenue, or more, for our employer and that, in turn, means that we should receive the same amount or more, potentially.”
"Progress is good, but it’s never at the rate that you want it to go."
On maternity leave…
"If work is what you love to do, you shouldn’t think that you have to put that on hold to start a family. We can do both."
On surrounding yourself with women who lift you up…
"Having a group of women that support you unconditionally is important."
On being a leader…
"It’s important not to change the integrity of who you are. To change something that you do or say because you’re a captain or a leader is not what leading is all about."
On where her confidence comes from…
"I get my confidence from a lot of my teammates, and I get a lot of confidence from proving myself right."
On the importance of staying grounded…
"Remember where you started and how you got there, and know that the process is more important than the outcome."
On the value of self-care…
"Don’t hold yourself back, make sure that you’re fulfilling yourself."
See more photos from the event!
Photography: Smith House Photo
5 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Career This Leap Day
Is it time to update your LinkedIn profile?
This post is in paid partnership with LinkedIn.
Photo: Smith House Photo
Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
It might be an old cliche but we can honestly say that after the thousands of interviews we’ve conducted on stage or online at Create & Cultivate, this one actually rings true. Camila Coelho affirmed it during her recent keynote conversation; “You are going to be stressed but if you love what you do, you will be thankful every day that you are doing it.”
When you consider the average person spends 8.8 hours per day at work—that’s a little more than 9,000 hours per year or one-third of your life—it becomes pretty clear that you should choose a job that you really love. If you’re reading this nodding your head in agreement, then it might be time to kickstart yours – whether that’s brainstorming ideas for your side hustle or improving your skills to get that promotion, there are so many ways to further your professional journey and take it to the next level.
And with Leap Day this Saturday, February 29, you now have a full day to put that plan into action. But the question is, what would you do to boost your career if you had an extra 24 hours? Now’s your chance to write down your goals and make it happen.
Not sure where to begin? Don’t stress. We partnered with our friends at LinkedIn to help you get started. They have millions of jobs and the community to help find the one meant for you. No matter what stage you’re at in your job journey from just starting out to pivoting onto a different path or leaving a job, LinkedIn is here to support you every step of the way. From updating your LinkedIn Profile to connecting with people in your field and listening to career-focused podcasts, ahead we share some simple ways you can boost your career in 24 hours. Let’s go!
Freshen up your LinkedIn profile
In many cases, your LinkedIn profile serves as your first impression with hiring managers and recruiters, so it’s a good idea to make sure it’s up to date and best represents you as a professional. According to LinkedIn, 65% of people believe that the impression you make online is just as important as the one you make in person. This first impression can be key to landing your next opportunity.
1. Add a Profile Photo
According to LinkedIn, people who have a profile photo get up to 21 times more profile views. Your profile photo should be both professional, but also approachable, so people can get a true sense of your personality. Pro tip: Use a simple background and try to make sure your face fills up 60% of the frame, so the focus is all on you.
2. Location
LinkedIn found that members who have locations listed on their profiles receive up to 19 times more profile views and are up to 23 times more likely to be discovered in searches. Adding your location makes it even easier for you to be connected to your next opportunity.
3. Summary
This is your career snapshot. Think of it as your personal “elevator pitch.” List your skills and highlight your strengths. Pro tips: try to sum up your experience in about 40 words and include keywords that you’ve seen featured in descriptions for jobs you’re interested in. Lose the jargon. And be your authentic self.
4. Experience
Start with your current position. According to LinkedIn, professionals who have their current positions listed on their profiles are discovered up to 60 times more in searches. You can also write about projects, accomplishments, and the value you bring to your team and organization. Keep it clear and concise. Bullet points work great here.
5. Pictures and Videos
Showing your accomplishments is a great way to share more about yourself. LinkedIn is introducing Featured, a new section on your profile where you can showcase posts or articles you’ve published on LinkedIn, as well as media like images, links, and documents. Highlighting your work helps you demonstrate your expertise to your network, grow your audience and build your brand.
6. Education
Be sure to include where you went to school and what you studied. According to LinkedIn, adding your education leads up to 17X more messages from recruiters.
For more information, visit Rock Your Profile and discover how to create a LinkedIn profile that brings your personal career story to life, whether you’re just starting out, seeking to advance, or making a career change. Instructor Lauren Jolda, head of the "Rock Your Profile" team at LinkedIn, offers tips on tailoring each section, starting with the key insight that a LinkedIn profile is unique and shouldn’t be approached exactly like a resume.
Tap into your network
Today, networking is an essential part of the job search. Even if you’re not hunting down a new job, having connections in your field is incredibly valuable. Through your LinkedIn network, you can get introduced to someone you might like to connect with which increases your chances of getting hired by nine times. When it comes to networking, make it easy on yourself. Make sure you've added the people who you interact with in your everyday life. You never know if a friend is connected to someone who works at your dream company.
Take an online course
Whether you’ve been eyeing that corner office and want to step up into a managerial role, or you’re launching a side hustle and need to know the basics of SEO, there are so many online courses now that can help you get there. Even if you’re happy in your role, you should always be open to learning and improving so your skills don’t stagnate. Then you’ll be ready for that promotion or job change when the opportunity strikes. The beauty of online is that you have an entire catalog of courses at your fingertips. Most of us are too time-strapped to attend a physical college, but online courses bring the education to you.
LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start and can help you bridge the gap between the career you want and the skills you need. Their personalized learning experiences and courses are taught by real-world professionals and there is a massive library of more than 15,000 topics for you to choose from that span every level, industry, and profession including creative, business, and technology courses. Access free LinkedIn Learning course, like this one titled “Making Recruiters Come to You” with tips and tricks to attract recruiters, such as how to make yourself more easily discoverable and connect with recruiters.
Listen to career podcasts
No one can deny the rise in podcast popularity and it’s easy to see why. These digestive sound bites can open up a world of possibilities, deliver endless inspiration, and motivate us to take those crucial next steps in our careers. The best part is you can tune in and learn while you’re commuting to work, taking your lunch break, or walking the dog. So why not use your 24 hours to tune into the new LinkedIn podcast Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel where she explores the changing nature of work, and how that work is changing us. What does work mean to us? Should we love what we do? How can we switch it up? Her guests, including Anna Faris, Seth Meyers, and Elizabeth Gilbert, share the many lessons they learned on their own career journey that apply to your own, too. A few others we recommend are WorkParty, GoldDigger, Second Life, WSJ Secrets of Wealthy Women, Glossy, Boss Files, NPR’s How I Built This, and The Influencer Podcast.
Reorganize your workspace
It might not seem like organizing your desk can boost your career, but here are some compelling stats that might change your mind. Firstly, clutter is surprisingly hard on our brains. Your brain is constantly processing visual information, and this study found that too much clutter can make it hard for it to be efficient. So reducing unnecessary stimuli aka clutter can reduce stress and help you to stay focused on your goals.
Secondly, an unorganized space can decrease your sense of self-worth and make you feel depressed. A 2010 study from the University of California revealed that women who described their homes as being cluttered or filled with unfinished projects were more likely to be depressed and fatigued than women who characterized their living spaces as being restful and restorative. They also found that women who lived in cluttered environments had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Plus, decluttering and organizing actually releases those feel-good chemicals called endorphins. So we really can see no reason not to clean up your desk. It’ll reduce stress, help you hit your goals, and put you in a better mood.
Here are some ways to shape-up your workspace:
—Put time on your calendar. If you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. Go through your desk drawers and throw away what you no longer need and file what you do.
—Buy chic trays and filing systems to organize your paperwork, pens, and notebooks.
—Clean out your email inbox.
—Add a vase with fresh clippings and flowers or a low-maintenance succulent (science says it’ll make you happier and more productive).
So make this year’s Leap Day count and choose one or more of these activities to boost your career.
C&C Classifieds: Something Social, Squarespace, Lord Danger, & More!
Peep these hot new So Cal listings.
Looking for a new So Cal or remote opportunity? Your dream job awaits.
Something Social - West Hollywood, CA
ShipHawk - Santa Barbara, CA
Nona Entertainment - Los Angeles, CA
Executive Assistant, Artist Agency
Photobooth Supply Co.
Growth Hacker - Southern California or Remote
Success Champion - Southern California or Remote
E-Commerce Coordinator - Southern California
Squarespace - Los Angeles, CA
ModCloth- Los Angeles, CA
Tamara Mellon - West Hollywood, CA
Get Out Your Planners—Here's What to Expect at Our LA 2020 Conference
It’s going to be our biggest and best yet!
We couldn’t be more thrilled to host the first conference of the new decade in our beautiful home town—LA 2020 is going to be major! With all the excitement that Los Angeles has to offer—the sand, the sun, the glamor—it only made sense that we would bring it back to the city of angels.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with our conferences, they are the diamond in our crown—*Read: the biggest and best events Create & Cultivate has to offer—and we promise LA 2020 will be monumental! We always bring our A-game but this time we’re putting some serious A-list talent on the stage—Jessica Simpson, Eva Mendes, Antoni Porowski, and more!—the pop-ups are poppin’, the VIP lounge is packed with activities and surprises, the networking is next level (this is the city of exchanging business cards after all) and the on-site experiences are Instagram heaven. You don’t want to miss this one!
Read on to discover everything we have in store for this jam-packed day and get your tickets ASAP!
THE NITTY GRITTY
Attendee Happy Hour 2/21
Networking is a huge part of our events and the attendee happy hour is a great time to mix and mingle with your fellow Create & Cultivators over a Pomp & Whimsy gin cocktail (made by female founders in L.A.) before the big day. You will need your badge or confirmation email for entry but if you haven’t received it yet, you can pick it up here.
When: February 21
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location: Second Home
Address: 1370 N St Andrews Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Conference Parking
Our LA 2020 event location doesn’t include on-site parking, however, there are paid lots nearby (see below). 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.
A few lots nearby include:
1331 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles
Price: $20 max
Distance to venue: 0.6 miles
2001 E. 7th Street, Los Angeles
Price: $9 max
Distance to venue: 0.2 miles
647 Mateo Street
Price: $10 max
Distance to venue: 0.3 miles
LOCATION
Rolling Greens
1005 Mateo Street
Los Angeles, CA, 90021
Registration
If you haven’t received your badge in the mail, please collect it at the attendee happy hour or during check-in on the day of the event, this includes all non-U.S. based attendees too. Please have your government-issued ID with you for access. You will also receive a super cute At-A-Glance notebook, and track 1 or 2 schedule cards with your badge outlining the day ahead. Depending on your lanyard you will be set up for track 1 or track 2—please note you are NOT able to change your track (unless you are a C&C Insider member).
If you’re a VIP, you’ll get some additional swag and opportunities as well, including VIP lounge access and your own beauty bar (see below for more perks)! Concerned you’re going to miss out on one of the panels? Sign up here for an Insider’s membership to get access to all of the panels—yes, both tracks 1 and 2.
Address: Rolling Greens DTLA: 1005 Mateo Street - Los Angeles, CA 90021
Attire
Heads up, Rolling Greens is massive and half of the LA 2020 event is outside (yes, we’re talking all surfaces from concrete to dirt). With so much to see and do, this also means a lot of footwork. So, we suggest wearing your favorite pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes to make sure you feel confident and comfy all day long because this one is jam-packed.
The forecast for Saturday is also looking a little chilly at 62 degrees with a chance of rain, so please come prepared for incumbent weather to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. We recommend bringing a small umbrella or waterproof poncho to keep you dry from any drizzle while you’re waiting in line.
Pump Room
New mom? We have a dedicated pump room located in the greenhouse by the Mastercard Main Stage.
Our events fly by, so we suggest planning ahead. See below for all the amazing activities!
VIP PERKS
We love our VIPs and this time the perks are jam-packed! Take a look below to see what is in store for you:
Access to rest, relax and network at VIP lounge on site
Private bathroom and water fountain (to refill your reusable Pathwater bottle)
Your private beauty bar including:
Glam Squad doing makeup touch-ups all day.
House of Lashes will be applying beautiful lash sets to VIPs all day.
Your exclusive dining experience including:
Breakfast
Donuts provided by Donatsu
Your own Califia coffee station
Smoothies by Bumpin Blends
Yogurt and protein shakes provided by Forager and Bare Naked Granola
Lunch
Cafe Gratitude guacamole and chips, pure kale and sea vegetable salad, whole-macrobiotic bowls, humble Indian curry bowls
Break
Ice Cream Social brought to you by Not Your Mother's Haircare featuring NadaMoo vegan ice cream.
Happy Hour
Shake Shack special Create & Cultivate Custard
Bar
Private bar Ketel One Botanical plus access to Jackson Family Wines and Chandon all-day including.
Your exclusive Programming
Break
4:20-4:50 @ Second Stage
PR 101 session at the second stage with Holly Curtis, Senior Director PR, Blended Strategy Group
First twenty VIPS get a C&C Planner
4:50-5:10 PM @Second Stage
Legal Workshops - Understanding the Capital Raise: Choosing the right investor and the right structure at Second Stage with Emily Yukich, Managing Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP
6:30-7:00 PM @ VIP Lounge
Networking mixer
Swag & Giveaways
Surprise & Delight giveaways throughout the day!
Gift bag with goodies from our partners and friends worth more than $400
C&C INSIDERS’ PERKS
Our Insiders’ members get a ton of on-site perks and Los Angeles 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 pop-up in the showroom. As an Insider, you will get access to all of the panels and keynotes, yes that’s Track 1 and Track 2.
C&C Insider Perks:
Skipping the line
Front-of-line access at the Attendee Happy Hour
Front-of-line for registration and first in to snag those IG moments
Front-of-line for the beauty bar in GA and VIP
Front-of-line at our Illusion IG moment
Seating
You’ll have priority seating at the Mastercard main stage and second stage (yup, that means front row, always).
Meet & Greet
MC Main Stage 8:30-9:00 AM
Jessica Simpson book signing
Olly Pop-up booth 12:30-1:00 PM
Antoni Porowski meet & greet
MC Main Stage 4:50-5:10
Insider Meet & Greet with Adrienne Bosh, Heather Dubrow, and Jaclyn Johnson
Swag
Stop by the Insider booth for your brand new keychain
Swing by the #ShopCreateCultivate pop-up for a free gift with special personalization. Insider’s get 10% off all pre-sale items purchased on site. You’ll have to visit the pop-up to find out what our next product line is—shhhh!!!
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.
RSVP-ONLY EVENT
Adobe Workshop: Up to Speed: Time-Saving Tricks for Video Editing in Premiere Pro
Where: Mastercard Main Stage
Time: 4:20 PM - 4:50 PM
Even the most established video editors are forever looking for hacks to get to export faster. In this workshop, social media influencer and Adobe brand ambassador, Amber Torrealba, will show easy ways to significantly speed up Premiere Pro workflows without sacrificing any quality—and even adding some!—with professional color, audio, graphics, and social-specific specs in a matter of clicks.
Don’t miss this exclusive Adobe Workshop to get the latest tips, and tricks on Adobe Premiere Rush discover new features and learn how to take your videos to the next level. This is an RSVP-only event so make sure you sign up below to guarantee your seat. It’s time to wow your followers on social media.
Pop-Up Market
Grab your C&C swag at the Insiders’ pop-up. It’s not too late! You can also sign up here if you aren’t a member yet. See all of the benefits of a membership at the top of this post.
Everyone’s favorite carbonated, sugar-free soda will be passed out at the Lacroix pop-up along with colorful, branded swag.
Sample the best-selling gummy vitamins and learn more about their benefits from deeper sleep to vibrant skin. Be sure to snap a pic in their cool “California Dreaming” photo moment and post it to social for an exclusive 1:1 tarot card reading at their pop-up.
Get a professional IG moment at the PicMonkey pop-up and 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!
Volvo
As the official auto partner of LA 2020, Volvo is bringing their A-game. Their stunning floral installation makes the perfect photo moment and while you’re there, write your intention on their 2020 Volvo XE40 car. Yes, you heard right. Grab and pen and write your 2020 vision directly onto their brand new car. Fun, right?
Get your intention latte bracelets with every coffee and snap a photo in front of their living plant wall while you’re at it. They are also serving cold brew coffee in the food hall. Grab-n-go their dairy-free milk with your morning coffee.
Snap a photo in front of the “Lookin’ Like a Snack” mural and satisfy your hunger at their sampling station where they’re serving a delicious range of healthy, GMO, and gluten-free crackers.
Need a Lift? Join NuFACE, the leader in Microcurrent Skincare™ for micro-treatments and special offers at the Mobile Lifting Lounge ™ (it’s inside the cool metallic silver airstream).
Show your true colors and snap a selfie at the Brahmin bright wall of handbags. Experience the quality of these beautiful accessories for the modern woman and purchase your favorite arm candy in their pop-up, too.
Have a sweet tooth but trying to #breakupwithsugar? Stop by Lily’s sweets to try out their new products, chocolate bars, and chocolate-covered caramels that taste delicious without the sugar! All attendees will receive Lily’s chocolate in their gift bag too.
In the mood to do a little shopping? Stop by the Michael Stars’ pop-up to browse the stunning range from their latest collection.
Discover why it’s a strength to “Think Soft” at Nivea’s pop-up where there will be major photo moments (we’re talking a sequin shower), hand massages with their cult-favorite moisturizers, an interactive mural, and loads of product sampling. You don’t want to miss this one!
One of our favorite skincare lines is launching their new vitamin C product at LA 2020 so head on over to their pop-up for free product sampling and see why everyone is raving about Bliss. Snap a photo in front of their orange tree and snack on an orange-flavored custom macaroon while you’re there. Also, anyone who posts a pic on Instagram and follows Bliss on TIKTOK will get a full-sized Bliss product.
Step inside this stunning real-life greenhouse and sample a wide range of the Not Your Mother’s haircare line. Then get social and snap a pic at their stunning floral photo moment.
Don’t miss out on experiencing the brand new microdermabrasion cream at the Dr. Brandt pop-up. And, if you post on social media and tag @drbrandt with the hashtag #sayIloveyou they will make a donation to their Dr. Brandt Foundation dedicated to mental health well-being.
See first-hand why Jessica Simpson has built a billion-dollar-a-year business out of this best-selling line. Experience the collection and buy your favorite pieces, too.
Sample this delicious gluten-free pizza base and chicken tenders all day and taste why Caulipower is on track to generate $100m in revenue this year.
Design a bedtime ritual that works with curated sleep essentials from SLEPT. Get a FREE crystal-infused bath bomb when you share your @thesleptlife selfie from the pop-up.
Want a free pair of shoes? Head to the JustFab pop-up for a major surprise-and-delight moment. Pick a line labeled one to three, check behind the door, and walk away with a new pair of shoes. Easy!
Discover why this Kefir is being called “the champagne of dairy” with their delicious smoothies with toppings being served all day.
ONE
Experience their tropical set up and lounge area while you snack on their delicious protein bars being served all day.
Start a new ritual for your hair—yes, your hair—and experience this innovative range of combs, brushes, towels, and oils. Buy on-site and have your order shipped directly to your house. Be sure to pick up their unique Crown Affair stickers too.
This family-owned vineyard is renowned for its delicious wines from the beautiful Sonoma region. Head to their pop-up trailer for wine sampling all day.
Between never-ending emails and meetings, there’s no such thing as a 9-to-5 gig. iHerb | Love Letter is all about helping you find the balance you need to inspire #badassboss vibes in your life. So head over to their pop-up to sample some of their natural wellness products and self-care essentials.
Hear Eva Mendes talk through her designs on stage as our keynote speaker, then head over to the New York & Company pop-up to see them first hand (and purchase them too). Take a photo on their stunning floral bench while you wait for friends to browse the Eva Mendes collection, too.
Head to the Facebook Messenger Small Biz Studio to chat with their experts on how to use FB messenger for your business.
Loved our office stationery collection? Then swing by the Shop Create & Cultivate pop-up to get a sneak peek at our brand new product collection and shop the pre-sale before anyone else—shhh!
If you missed out on buying the stationery collection online or in-store, then head to the Acco pop-up to see the line. There will be Shop Create & Cultivate collection giveaways too. Simple post a photo in the booth and tag @shopcreatecultivate for a free Clip Folio.
The Little Market is a nonprofit fair trade shop featuring ethically sourced, artisan-made products. Head over to experience this feel-good product line. They’ll be doing Create and Cultivate-inspired candle customizations with the purchase of any candle (only while supplies last) and gifting a mini bouquet to the first 40 Create & Cultivate attendees who make a purchase from The Little Market pop-up. Then be sure to hear Lauren Conrad and her co-founder Hannah Skvarla joined by Jessica Alba as our final keynote speaking about their passion for building a business with purpose.
Honest Beauty will be on-site offering makeup application of their brand new Lit Powder Blush at their pop-up. This gorgeous, pearl-infused powder makes for a blush and highlighter in one to give bold, blendable payoff and a lit-from-within golden glow. Snap an Insta at their pop-up after you get your glow on! End the night with Founder, Jessica Alba, alongside The Little Market's Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla for a roundtable discussion on Passion, Purpose, & Profit.
Did you know you can use Pinterest to help with all your small business needs? Find out how by speaking with the Pinterest team at their pop-up. We guarantee you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to pin your next business idea.
Computer at 5% battery? Need some sun on a rooftop with DTLA views? Check out The Maxwell (1019 E 4th Place, LA) on Friday, February 21 before the Create & Cultivate conference kicks off! WeWork is offering a complimentary hot desk membership for 1 day at their premier location.
To Redeem:
Visit we.co/maxwellhotdesk and enter promo code WWHD51395*
*Code must be redeemed by February 29 and once you sign up, membership is valid through February 29. Membership will automatically renew on March 1 with a charge of $420/month, unless canceled prior to that date.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
BREAKFAST
This is your time to supercharge before the big day ahead with nutrition-packed smoothies provided by Bumpin Blends and yummy yogurt parfaits from Forager Project. Enjoy hot coffee with dairy-free milk by Califia Farms.
LUNCH
All GA’s will be feasting on Urban Remedy macro bowls and vegan Caesar salads. Yes, please!
BREAK
Ice Cream Social provided by Not Your Mothers
Get your hands on Nadamoo’s delicious non-dairy and organic ice cream thanks to Not Your Mother’s Haircare. To celebrate the Not Your Mother’s new haircare collection, they teamed up with Nadamoo to create delicious ice creams topped with the natural ingredients inspired by the line. Grab a honey-flavored or matcha topped ice-cream with the matching sample of the new haircare product. Cute right? Don’t miss out.
BEVERAGES
Make sure you stay hydrated with Health-ade Kombucha, ROAR, and Pathwater served all day.
Enjoy coffee all day at the Califia bar located in the showroom pop-up area with comfortable lounges and chairs provided by Witty Rentals.
HAPPY HOUR
After a long day of panels, pop-ups, and networking it’s time to refuel. Finish up the day with the famous vegan burgers from Beyond Meat. The sparkling wine and low-cal cocktails will also be flowing at happy hour, provided by our friends at Ketel One Botanical and Chandon.
ALLERGIES?
We try our best to accommodate but we recommend that you BYO lunch at the conference if you have food allergies.
GIFT BAGS
We know you want ‘em! Get your shoulder ready for gift bags filled with goodies from some of your favorite. Please note, gift bags are only available upon exit. Pick them up at registration on the first floor (where you checked in at the beginning of the day) in exchange for your badge. 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.
Other Need to Knows
There are no charging stations on-site so please come prepared with a fully charged phone or a mophie with extra juice to be set up for success all day.
Handicapped accessible parking is located at the front in Bay 3.
Need Help?
If you need assistance throughout the day or have accessibility needs, then we’re only too happy to accommodate. Please email carol@createculitvate.com with any special needs that you have on-site ahead of time so we can assist with any additional needs before the event. On the day, lookout for the friendly faces wearing light purple jogger sets with our LA 2020 logo on them around the event and they’ll be happy to help!
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 #createcultivatela to keep in touch!
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU IN LA! Who are you most excited to see? Share in the comments below!
C&C Classifieds: Spotify, Rare Beauty, Vans, & More!
Looking for a new L.A. or remote opportunity? Your dream job awaits.
Looking for a new L.A. or remote opportunity? Your dream job awaits.
Amy Porterfield - Carlsbad, CA or Remote
OSEA Malibu - Venice, CA
The Shelf - Remote
MagicLinks - Los Angeles, CA
Influencer Marketing Coordinator
Rare Beauty - El Segundo, CA
Alleyoop - West Hollywood, CA
Lime- Los Angeles, CA
Savage X Fenty - El Segundo, CA
Spotify - Los Angeles, CA
Vans - Costa Mesa, CA
Step Inside the Star-Studded Create & Cultivate 100 Launch Party in L.A.
Everyone came out to support the 2020 honorees.
When we launched the Create & Cultivate 100 four years ago it was about so much more than just creating a list. This initiative was started to honor 100 successful and inspirational women who are driven to #FindNewRoads by disrupting industries and smashing glass ceilings across 10 different categories.
But since then it has become a movement and inspired a ripple effect because when you honor 100 women who are 100% in it, you encourage 100 more to keep it at 100 and create a future we all want to be part of. This year’s honorees included Priyanka Chopra Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sigal Cordeiro, Minnie Mouse, Mandana Dayani, Noor Tagouri, Sarah Barthel, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Ally Maki, Marni Senofonte, Chriselle Lim, Adrienne Bosh, and so much more.
To celebrate the fourth Create & Cultivate 100 list in partnership with Chevrolet, we held a star-studded party in Los Angeles at the Valentine where guests experienced the amazing OM Booth, had their aura photo taken in the new Chevrolet Blazer, enjoyed hair touch-ups at the OGX pop-up, were served Coolhaus and Baked by Melissa treats, and sipped on delicious Winc wine as they danced the night away to Phantogram’s killer tunes.
We were so thrilled to have so many of our 100 honorees and supporters join us on the red carpet too including Tia Mowry, Arielle Vandenberg, Jessie James Decker, Noelle Scaggs, Hillary Duff, and so much more. This list continues to inspire and empower the next generation to ditch tradition, disrupt industries, and forge their own path.
Read on to see more photos from the night.
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C&C Classifieds: NuFace, BOXFOX, Drybar, & More!
Make career moves with these new job listings.
Make career moves with these new job listings.
Heather Taylor Home - Los Angeles, CA
NuFace
Retention Marketing Manager- Vista, CA
Regional Education Manager- Northeast Region
The Taubman Company - Los Angeles, CA
BOXFOX - Hawthorne, CA
Ritual - Los Angeles, CA
Drybar - Los Angeles, CA
Target- El Segundo, CA
Hello Alfred - Los Angeles, CA
HUM Nutrition - Los Angeles, CA
The Nue Co. - Los Angeles, CA
Banana Republic's Art Director Says Having a Life Outside of Work Is Critical to Success
“You can’t work at your best if you’re burnt out.”
We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate. We call them Everyday Superheroes. In this new series, we talk to the people who are paying it forward, lifting others up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.
Photo: Courtesy of Banana Republic.
It’s safe to say that the traditional career model has been completely disrupted. The path to your dream job is no longer linear—it takes many twists, turns, and jumps along the way—and the days of choosing one job for the rest of your life are officially over. Now, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure journey and which way you turn is completely up to you.
Kimara Mitchell’s story is proof that every job, no matter how big or small, all contribute to the end goal. When she was working at her local Macy’s in the Esprit shop-in-shop or studying to be an engineer, she didn’t know that one day she’d end up in her dream job. Fast forward to today, and Mitchell is now working as the associate art director at Banana Republic leading photoshoot art direction, research, and hiring a team of photographers, illustrators, designers and more to bring the brand to life.
Everything about Mitchell’s career path has been non-traditional including how she landed her current role. Read on to hear how the award-winning designer went from the agency side to in-house, what she does to prevent burnout, and why staying true to who you are at work is key to your success (and the business).
And if, like us, this has you feeling inspired and motivated to kick off the new decade with a whole new perspective, then head over to the Banana Republic career’s page to learn more about how you can get involved and embark on a new, and exciting career path for 2020.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: What did you study in school? And what did you want to be when you grew up?
KIMARA MITCHELL: “Initially I was an engineering/urban planning major. I’ve always been obsessed with cities—how they are planned, transit, green spaces, community buildings—and thought it would be the right career path for me. I didn’t realize how technical it was and after taking an illustration class in my sophomore year, my professor told me about something called communications design. I took a summer seminar at Parsons and then switched my major to advertising the next semester.”
What are some of the earlier jobs that helped to shape your career/path?
“One of my first jobs was working in retail at my local Macy’s in the Esprit shop-in-shop. I’ve always loved fashion, especially the marketing side. When I was young, I would have ads on my wall from magazines, not posters of celebrities. I never knew how to get from admiring ads to creating them.”
“I don’t believe in the idea that you need to hide the real you at work.”
What challenges have you faced along the way? What did you learn from them? How did they prepare you for your job now?
“When I graduated from college, I worked at advertising agencies and it was hard to get a job in-house because they wanted someone with in-house experience. Agency life tends to be very fast-paced and you have to be detail orientated and able to juggle multiple jobs, clients, and deliverables at once. Interestingly, it prepares you for working in-house, especially given the shifts we have to make based on business. On the in-house side, you also work much closer with cross-functional teams, like marketing, merchandising, inventory management, finance, and design. There were a lot of acronyms I didn’t know when I first came to Gap, so I studied up.”
Tell us about your role at Banana Republic? What does it entail? Did you work your way up? What were the positions along the way?
“I am currently the art director for Banana Republic Factory and my job is two-fold. First, I come up with the concept and art direct our seasonal photoshoots. I work with the global creative director and senior director of photography for Banana Republic on evolving our photography, model choices, and how we show up as a brand. Secondly, I manage a team of designers who create marketing with photography, like store signage, direct mail, site, emails, and social.
“I started here as a senior designer on the outlet shared services team, then moved over to the Banana Republic side. From there, I started working with the former creative director on shoots until he would let me run them myself. After two years of that, I was promoted to art director.”
What do you love most about your job and why? Does the reality of your career match up to your expectations/why/why not?
“I love the flexibility in my job and that every day is something different. I could be pulling inspiration for an upcoming shoot, art directing someone on my team for a digital editorial or working with our copywriter on an Instagram story. I never imagined that I’d be in this spot, so I didn’t really have an expectation of what it would be like.”
What can you tell us about the culture at Banana Republic? What has encouraged you to stay?
“I’ve stayed because it’s been a challenge and not become stale. People here are very passionate and extremely intelligent, and it makes you want to step up your game. That being said, we also care about each other and like to have fun.”
Talk us through your daily tasks and what a day in the office looks like for you? What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
“One of the things I love is that no two days are the same. I like to check email and get a head start on that on the commute in. Then I’ll come into the office, check-in with my team, probably work on a project or two and attend meetings like project reviews or kickoffs, brainstorm some upcoming initiatives, or work on some image retouching notes.”
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
”I’ve been into sports since I was young, and I started running in high school. I usually start off the day with a three-mile run, then come home, check email, and have breakfast. I’m a bit obsessive about having breakfast every day without fail. I like working out in the morning because I feel it sets me up better for the day; I’m more energized. I also like to write things down. I have two datebooks, a smaller personal one and a larger one to plan out the shoots, milestone meetings, and creative reviews. I have weekly and daily checklists to keep myself organized.”
Your role requires you to be across so many facets of the business—how do you manage your time effectively? What is your greatest productivity hack? How do you get it done?
“It can be challenging for sure! One of the great things about our office is that you can work anywhere. Sometimes in an open floorplan, it can be hard to concentrate, so I’ll work in the café or one of the couches we have around the 8th floor. I’ll also turn off my email for a few hours so I don’t get distracted. I also make priority lists for myself and I always ask business partners when something is needed by—they feel their needs are being met, but I’m not stressing to get everything done ASAP.”
Do you ever reach inbox zero? Do you believe in that? What is your inbox philosophy?
”To me, having an inbox at zero means that I have read and acknowledged everything in my inbox. If I need to reply, then I’ve done that or forwarded it on to someone else who can better answer someone’s question. Having my inbox at zero means those things have been checked off my list and I can move on to other tasks.”
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about your job?
“If you work in fashion, people tend to think it’s very glamorous and your days are spent with samples, on set, or around models. It is a ton of hard work that starts way before the actual photoshoot. It’s the pre-season planning, pulling inspiration, collaborating with styling, marketing and merchandising on stories, working with prop stylists and photographers on getting all the details nailed down, and much more. Once you get to the shoot days, hopefully, everything is ticked and tied and the day(s) will run very smoothly.”
If someone wanted your role specifically, what advice would you give them on how to land their dream job/your current job?
“Be a cultural sponge. Inspiration really comes from everywhere, so it’s not just about going to school and studying art direction. I’m constantly looking beyond fashion and in popular culture, art, music, books, current events, politics, sociology, and more to influence what I’m doing. I also think with the advent of social media, you don’t have to live in a large city to work in fashion or retail. Seek out local photographers or stylists where you live and do test shoots, or collaborate with your favorite local boutique on editorials. Many of them don’t have a huge budget and would love help with marketing or social media.”
“Be a cultural sponge. Inspiration really comes from everywhere.”
Have you seen a consistent standout quality or personality trait of successful people in this industry?
“Be someone who is constantly learning and willing to pivot. The industry is changing so rapidly and it’s the people and the brands that are evolving that will succeed.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
“The best piece of advice is ‘you are not your job.’ The interests I have outside of work keep me inspired and motivated when I’m in the office, and you need to carve out time for yourself to be with friends, family, travel, etc. You can’t work at your best if you’re burnt out. I don’t believe in the idea that you need to hide the real you at work. I’m a proud African-American woman, and the things I’ve experienced give me a unique viewpoint. As someone who never saw women like myself in fashion growing up, I want to make sure young people know that this is an option for them and you can be uniquely you while doing it.”
If there was one person you admire that you could power brunch with, who would it be?
“I would love to meet Shiona Turini. She started in PR at a high fashion brand and then segued into being a fashion editor and now a wardrobe stylist for television and movies. I’d love to pick her brain about that and also just talk fashion.”
In your mind, what’s a perfect interview outfit? Why? Explain?
“It really depends on your chosen field but at Banana Republic I think it’s something that shows your personality and creativity. It could be a fun midi skirt and leather jacket or sleek denim and a blazer. You should always dress up though and not be too casual, even in a ‘casual’ workplace.”
Visit the Banana Republic career page to learn more about their exciting job opportunities and career options.
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What I Learned About Success From Women Who Have Raised $1 Million+ for Their Businesses
Lesson 1: Personal wealth is a non-factor.
Photo: Godisable Jacob from Pexels
The connotation around the word success doesn’t mean what it once meant to me. Growing up I can remember thinking that success equated to wealth, status and excellence. Honestly, to be successful felt intimidating and unattainable. The intimidation around success was one of the main reasons that I felt it necessary to explore the idea.
I was recently asked to run down a list of accomplishments, and I had at least 10 things that I rattled off, but does that mean that I’m successful? Being the host of the personal development podcast Switch, Pivot or Quit, I wanted to take the opportunity to consult with other women about their thoughts on success.
In the last year and a half, I’ve interviewed more than 75 women in business and more recently, through producing the new Mayzie Media podcast A Milli, I’ve had in-depth conversations with a variety of stellar women who have amassed one million-plus in business.
When asked: what does success mean or look like for you? I discovered an honesty that was refreshing among the women interviewed for A Milli, despite collectively having $60 million in annual revenue, 5 million in social followers, and more than 116 million in funding.
“I'm not sure what success means to me,” said Abyah Wynn, a 29-year-old Vice President of Business Development at Trimantium Capital. “I think that giving back in a big way and being able to use my talents and everything I’m learning and doing now to help others would be my definition of success.”
Ahead, my takeaways on success.
Personal Wealth Is a Non-factor
Not only has our idea of success as a society began to shift, but we are also seeing an evolution in how we allow success to play a role in our lives day-to-day. Many of us are realizing that there's more to life than the flashy outward perception of success, especially from an emotional perspective. Abyah also said, “I could drive the car and buy the house and wear the shoes and the designer labels, and that's great, but that is absolutely not my definition of success.”
Definitions Are Changing
Pre-social media many of us had this fairytale idea of what success looked like, but now we see that success can come in different ways, take different forms and evoke different feelings and that’s okay.
“I think success, in general, is very personal,” said Christina Stembel, Founder and CEO of Farmgirl Flowers. “I think for myself it means building Farmgirl into a company that I'm really proud of, meaning that I did it the right way. I didn't do it the way that just maximizes profits in order to get the highest sale amount. It's building a company that I'd want to buy from, sell to and work at.”
Success Is in the Little Things
Daily, we have the ability to feel successful in the most routine ways. We can also help inspire those around us to feel a sense of accomplishment and success as well. Speaking on her feelings regarding success Drybar founder, Alli Webb immediately defaulted to the emotion that her business draws out of women. “We’re doing over a million blowouts a year, which means we're making a lot of women happy and I very quickly learned, which I don't think I completely realized when we first started Drybar, how incredible Drybar and a great blowout makes a woman feel.”
Happiness Means the Most
A common theme that surfaced during my interviews was happiness. We all just want to be happy, and we are starting to realize that we have to prioritize our happy. “I think success is just being happy with myself wherever I am and with whatever I'm doing,” says Nicole Gibbons, Founder, and CEO of Clare. “I think when it comes to family and my personal relationships I think having those relationships be healthy and happy is also what makes me feel really accomplished and successful because when you're running a big company having a support system is really, really important. My measure of success is not tied to any one accomplishment it’s more tied to my own personal sense of contentment and happiness, and that's really how I look at the idea of success and how I define it.”
We Can All Be Successful
Determining whether or not you have been successful in your life can only be made by you. Your interpretation of self and your accomplishments dictate whether you choose to believe that you are successful or not. One definition of success points to it being the accomplishment of one's goals, and you can do that right! Think about it, something as simple as establishing that you want to begin a routine of morning meditation for ninety days straight is a goal. If you follow your plan and achieve that goal for the next ninety days, then you were successful. Success can be accomplished daily, and we are the ones that complicate it with expectations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ahyiana Angel is the Founder of Mayzie Media, a podcast network with content curated for women, and host of the Switch, Pivot or Quit podcast. A traditionally published author, Ahyiana is a seasoned executor who eventually blocked out the world’s ideas of success, quit her highly coveted position at the NBA, moved to London and traveled the world for a stint, then followed her passion in writing to find her purpose in encouragement through podcasting.
Mastering the art of note-worthy ideation, Ahyiana taps into her more than 12 years of professional business marketing experience to lend her thoughts on professional development, digital marketing, contemporary brand styling and more. However, Ahyiana enters her zone of genius when speaking to audiences about her 4 Ps: publicity, publishing, personal development and podcasting.
This post was originally published on October 25, 2018, and has since been updated.
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WTF Is a Cap Table and How Do I Read One?
Raisin’ funds and takin’ names.
Photo: Pexels
When you start a new business from scratch, the amount of knowledge you have to acquire can be overwhelming. There is so much to learn and often it’s on the job. And you might be thinking, ain’t nobody got time for that, but even if you plan on hiring someone to handle the paperwork and the financials, as the business owner you should always have your eye across every aspect of the company and know your numbers.
You will come across terms and acronyms you don’t understand but don’t be shy to ask questions or Google them, then take action. If you’re an entrepreneur then it’s likely you’ve already heard about CAP tables, also known as capitalization tables. But for others, you might just be thinking what is a cap table and how do I read one? And if you’re entering the funding stages of your venture, it’s really time to step that knowledge up.
Below, we’re talking more about what a cap table actually shows and how to read, create, and use one in your business.
The basics
First things first: What does capitalization even mean? Capitalization is just a formal way of saying ownership shares (i.e., who owns capital) and includes all of your company’s securities: stocks, preferred shares, options, etc. A capitalization table, then, is a chart that shows who owns how much of each asset type.
In essence, the point of a cap table is to give a quick overview of ownership. When you’re first creating your company, this step is essential to make note of what everyone in the business owns, but it becomes even more important when you’re bringing investors into the mix. They need a clear picture of what they’re buying, and shareholders need to be able to keep track of their stakes in your company.
The nitty-gritty
In the example from Hyde Park Angels below, you’ll see the table includes both a pre-money valuation and a post-money valuation—this just means how much the company was agreed to be valued at before investment, and how much it’ll be worth afterward.
The third column shows shareholder names—early on, this list will be short, but it can get lengthy as the business grows. In the next column, pre-money ownership percentage is denoted. Because Investor A and Investor B are just now buying into the company, their pre-money ownership is listed at zero percent.
The price-per-share noted on the left is determined by taking the pre-money valuation and dividing it by the number of pre-money shares (here, $4 million ÷ 8 million shares = $0.50 per share).
Now that we know how much each share is worth, we can calculate the number of shares each investor is purchasing. Investor A is putting in $750,000, so her post-money shares equal $1.5 million (because $750,000 ÷ $0.50 = $1.5 million). Thus, her post-money ownership percentage is 15% of the new business valuation. Because Investor B put in $250,000, she owns 500,000 shares and 5% of the company. The founders, who just sold 20% of their shares, now own 80% of their business.
Scaling up
As your company continues to scale, your cap table will become more complicated. Not only will the list grow in length, but your level of ownership and control will likely change, too. It’s important to keep your cap table updated and buttoned up—you never know when new funding opportunities will arise, and if you ever sell the company, your cap table will spell out who gets what in the deal.
While the idea of raising money for your business can be daunting, having a well-documented cap table in your pocket will make the process simpler for both you and your investors. Happy funding!
This post was published on February 2, 2019, and has since been updated.
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How Much Do You Make? Here's How to Tackle the Uncomfortable Questions
If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
“Do you mind if I ask… ?” These are six little words that almost always preface questions about money, especially among female friends. “Do you mind if I ask how much that cost?” “Do you mind if I ask how much your rent is?” “Do you mind if I ask how much you make?”
Women have traditionally shied away from discussing personal finances, instead choosing to tiptoe rather clumsily around these conversations. But like anything else, if we don’t talk about it, we won’t get good at it. From asking for a raise to investing in a 401(k), there is so much good advice to be gleaned from your friend group.
Keep reading to learn a few ways to broach money talk with friends.
TALK SALARY OPENLY AND HONESTLY
Have an honest conversation with your friends about what they are making and their financial goals. The second part of this is equally as important as the first. Talking salary with friends can boost your financial confidence, which in turn can have a positive impact on your career. It can also highlight if you should be making more.
If you know your friends are making more money than you, use it as motivation to achieve your financial goals. Journalist Moira Forbes once told me, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” See it, hear it, and share it—because the highest wave floats all boats.
ASK FOR ADVICE ABOUT RAISES
The raise conversation is a tricky one to have with colleagues because we don’t generally divulge our salary to our co-workers. If you’ve already had the salary talk with close friends, chatting over the realistic and unrealistic expectations of your raise will prove beneficial to all parties. However, because money is a sensitive topic, try to have the conversation with a friend who is paddling in a similar financial boat. Talking to a friend that makes significantly less than you could potentially strain the relationship. Talking to a friend that makes significantly more than you might have you reaching toward an unrealistic branch on the money tree.
Aim for the middle and be prepared to have a real talk about what you’re worth and why. A true friend will not only help prepare you for the convo, but will steer you in a realistic direction toward your goals. Understanding how to price yourself is paramount, and the more we understand the realities of others’ financial situations, the better we understand our own.
“Sharing salaries: if we don’t talk about it, we won’t get good at it.”
SHARE FINANCIAL MISSTEPS
Our relationship with money can sometimes feel like a bad marriage. We don’t talk about the things that bother us, instead choosing to sweep problems under the rug in the hopes that they might disappear. The great thing about true blue friendship is that you can talk about anything—especially when you’re not in the green.
Our friends are there to remind us that the idea of "keeping up" with others is one of the biggest illusions out there. If you thought you’d be making more, saving more, or wrapping up those student loans, it’s time to assess and call up a friend. Talking through missteps or how much you’re putting on your credit card every month will lend a little financial clarity.
MAKE A PACT TO BUDGET
Oh, the expensive inconvenience of convenience. Are you spending an absurd amount on apps like Uber and Postmates? It’s easy to push a button, but not so easy to stomach the end-of-month tally. If you have a habit of spending money on easy-come services, it’s time to sit down with friends and chat about how they save for their future. Make a pact with your BFF to delete apps like Postmates from your phone. You don’t need everything to be delivered to your doorstep, and doing it together makes it less painful.
BE AWARE OF OTHERS' FINANCIAL SITUATIONS
The friends who are married with kids. The single friend with a disposable income. The one who created an app and is rolling in dough. The reality is that most of your friends will be in very different financial situations. When you're the one trying to make ends meet, a simple dinner can be anxiety-inducing. Your friends may be buying bottles while you can barely afford a glass of the house red. A couple of things: If you know you can’t afford dinner, don’t go. The more transparent route is to make it known from the start of the meal that you can’t simply split the bill evenly. If they are truly your friends, they won’t care one little bit.
On the other hand, if it's your pockets that are heavy and you want to invite a friend to dinner, make sure to suggest a restaurant that you both can afford. What's better than Taco Tuesday? Be realistic and your friendship won’t become tense.
How do you talk about dollars with friends? Share below!
This post was originally published on December 22, 2017, and has since been updated.
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Slow Stories: How to Set Content Resolutions for the New Year
“The resolve to create content will be rooted in something much more profound than virality and beauty.”
Photo: Courtesy of Slow Stories
As we ease back into our daily workflow and embrace the opportunities that come with a new (albeit uncertain) year, the resolve to create content will be rooted in something much more profound than virality and beauty. Now more than ever before, content creators must consider the current cultural landscape to ignite dialogues that not only further their business goals but inspire widespread change, too.
That's not to say that these efforts haven't culminated in action already. When I look back on 2019 from a business perspective, there was certainly no shortage of inspiring and impactful brand storytelling. Many of the founders and professionals I interviewed in our most recent season of Slow Stories have already doubled down on their efforts to slow down and spearhead thoughtful online narratives.
As a refresher, here are a few key takeaways from our most recent episodes:
Lead with vulnerability.
Vulnerability has become one of those words that can take on multiple meanings. While some may choose to be more forthcoming or vocal about certain experiences than others, our podcast guests argued that taking a more unfiltered or candid approach to storytelling will resonate with modern consumers. How far you want to go is up to you.
Time is money—but it's also much more than that.
Our relationship with time was another recurring theme that arose during these discussions. Our interviewees made the case that slowing down both our content creation and consumption habits creates headspace to be thoughtful about how we spend our time personally and professionally. Adopting this approach also creates a more sustainable cadence in how we engage with our customer communities online.
With interconnectivity comes great responsibility.
Lastly, our interviewees acknowledged that we have a responsibility not only to our customers but to one another as industry professionals. Stewarding responsible discussions within key leadership circles will become even more critical to enact actual systemic change—especially in our current business culture, which has become dependent upon "always-on" communication.
When the podcast season ended in December, these ideas naturally inspired me to think about how to goal-set and create resolutions through a digital/content lens. In many ways, maintaining resolutions of any kind is an ongoing process. So if you're unsure of where to start when it comes to identifying your "content" resolutions, I'm sharing a few pillars to help jumpstart your planning for the year ahead.
“Connect with others beyond the four corners of a screen... strengthening real-life connections can often lead to valuable feedback and new ways of thinking about your online storytelling efforts. ”
Organization: Don't underestimate the power of preparation.
Digital housekeeping is no exception to this. Several tools can help you stay on track with your goals so that you're maximizing your time on checking the boxes of your big- picture content goals and action items. Scheduling and planning apps like PLANOLY (revisit my interview with their founder here) can help with baseline organizational tactics like setting up weekly or monthly content calendars. There are also analog options like Create & Cultivate's career-focused collection of agenda books and calendars, which can help organize your big-picture business goals. Whatever your style may be, getting organized is the best way to free your mind up so that you can create intentional and purposeful content.
Exploration: Explore what motivates you and the stories you want to tell.
Many new businesses often go through exploratory phases to discover key elements about what will make their brand stand out and appeal to their target audience. While this approach can often be time-consuming (and eye-opening), it's a resolution worth pursuing in that it will allow you to think critically about what stories you want to contribute to an already highly-saturated content landscape. To start, try having an exploratory workshop with your team every quarter—if anything, it is an act in remembering to think (and dream) big.
Connection: Get "social" outside of social media.
One of my last recommended resolutions is to connect with others beyond the four corners of a screen. Even if you're an introvert like me, there is immense value in attending events and getting together with peers. You can be discerning about the gatherings or events you attend (remember to honor your time), but strengthening real-life connections can often lead to valuable feedback and new ways of thinking about your online storytelling efforts. Investing in professional relationships can also translate into fruitful professional collaborations, in turn, creating opportunities to make your content that much more dynamic.
While it's difficult to predict future industry trends and the inevitable ebbs and flows of business, I hope this article provides a framework to start thinking about the ways you can implement thoughtful storytelling in your own brand or content for 2020 — and beyond. I'll be touching more on these themes in the coming months, but in the meantime, if you're interested in learning more about how brand builders are approaching slow content in their businesses, check out the Slow Stories podcast along with past articles from my 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)
Domino's Digital Content Director Says Nothing Beats On-the-Job Experience
“If I hadn’t consistently interned while studying, I don’t know where I’d be.”
How many times have you peered voyeuristically into the lives of people you admire via social media, video, or published interviews and wondered what it must be like to do their job? We’ve all been down that research rabbit hole on our quest to create and cultivate the career of our dreams, but often we’re still left pondering about the realities of their day-to-day—so, what is it really like? Well, in this series, I Want Your Job we uncover the truth by getting down to the nitty-gritty on what it’s actually like to work in your quote-unquote “dream job” and if the reality stacks up to the expectation. Up next, Sophie Miura, Digital Content Director at Domino.
“Give yourself time to test and learn before you specialize—it might feel like lost time, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.”
—Sophie Miura, Digital Content Director at Domino.
Photo: Sean Litchfield
When it comes to your career trajectory, there really is no clear path anymore (or a gold watch at the end!). Today, it’s fraught with twists and turns, ups and downs, curves, and sideway maneuvers but that’s what makes it so exciting. Sure, there are challenges along the way, even a few mistakes, and wrong turns, but ultimately, we all land where we’re meant to be. And oftentimes, it’s in a position you never expected to be in either.
This was the case for Sophie Miura. While she had a passion for media, she was unsure of which area to pursue, so she tried them all—from radio to broadcast, print and digital—until she found the one she really loved: magazine publishing. But breaking in and landing a job in the very competitive world of magazines wasn’t easy.
Read on to learn how Miura interned her way to the Digital Content Director at Domino (where she has helped to launch compelling new series, such as New Voices, that spotlight and celebrate women who are shaping the design world), the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she believes in the importance of on-the-job experience.
I Interned Everywhere to Get My Foot in the Door
As soon as I finished high school, I started interning and worked at almost every type of media outlet, from broadcast radio to television, until I found one I really loved: magazine publishing. When I wasn’t studying media and communications at university, I was interning at Hearst, and, after three months of fetching coffee, organizing the fashion closet, and sourcing rare purebred dogs for a cover shoot (yes, really), I scored a full-time offer as the assistant to the editor in chief—I was ecstatic!
I spent four years working my way up, from picture and production editor to health and features writer. Then, the magazine closed. I was devastated, but ultimately, there was a silver lining: I was invited to join the launch team of Elle Australia. It was a crazy experience, and I learned to be incredibly resourceful and do whatever I could to just get the job done. By age 25, though, I was totally burnt out. I took a giant leap and quit my job, bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok, and spent five months backpacking without a plan. It was so liberating after spending my early twenties working so hard.
I was so worried that it would halt my career but it actually did the opposite. I knew two things by the time I finished traveling: that I wanted to live overseas and that I loved writing about travel. I reached out to every person I knew in publishing, sent a lot of cold emails, and after a lot of hustling, landed a job as a lifestyle editor at MyDomaine in New York. It was a whirlwind. I traveled to far-flung destinations like the Arctic Circle and Bora Bora to write about new hotels and airlines as I cut my teeth as a digital editor.
All in all, I must have done at least six internships before landing a full-time role. It was the best way to figure out what kind of career I actually wanted. Certain media roles sound impressive but are completely different in reality. Interning helped me to fast-track that learning experience and really zero-in on what I wanted to do.
On-the-Job Experience Often Trumps a Degree
I have a Bachelor of Arts in media and communications. It was a great entry course but the best experience I had was on the job. If I hadn’t consistently interned while studying, I don’t know where I’d be.
I Set an Agenda Each Morning and Prioritize Tasks
I’m the digital content director at Domino, which means that I oversee digital editorial as well as the social media and email team. My days are pretty varied, but typically, I’m in the office early and use that first hour of silence to do the most important tasks: I set an agenda for the day (I find that three priority tasks are realistic; any more is a stretch), review our daily content mix, take stock of industry news and competitor coverage, and dive into overnight traffic to make sure I’m across any fluctuations. The rest of the day tends to be dominated by meetings! I manage a team of eight and work with the print and branded content teams so face time is really important.
I Have My Dream Job, But Reality Doesn’t Always Match Expectations
It’s much more strategic and team-facing than my last role, which was a senior editor at MyDomaine. Fortunately, Domino is a pretty flexible workplace and we’re really encouraged to shape our own roles. When I crave a dose of creativity, I jump into a brainstorm or workshop stories with our editors.
There’s much more to my job than overseeing the website. What you see (whether it be on Domino.com, Instagram, or our other social channels) is really a fraction of the role. It’s much more numbers-based than you’d expect.
I Worked in Several Adjacent Roles and Industries Before Landing on This One
My advice is to try as many different roles within media or publishing before you choose a path. The industry has really evolved in the last three years, and chances are, there are roles that you don’t even know exist. The most valuable thing I did was to intern in radio, television broadcast, and publishing, then, within publishing, I tried advertising, brand partnerships, and editorial. Give yourself time to test and learn before you specialize—it might feel like lost time, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
I Chose Jobs Based on Who I Wanted to Learn From, Not What
Apply for positions based on the people you’re excited to work with. Your manager plays such a formative role when you’re starting out—learn good habits from the best! My first editor in chief, Lizzie Renkert, helped pave the way for me today. She offered me my first job in publishing and consistently challenged and supported me.
I’m Constantly Paying It Forward and Leading With an Outstretched Hand
I’m always impressed when someone cold contacts me, and even though my schedule is packed, I try to grab coffee with students and interns when possible. Unintentionally, it’s also how I’ve found some really talented employees.
I Found Mentors Over Time, But I Didn’t Force It
I think it’s helpful for anyone trying to build a career to have a mentor, but in my experience, it has to happen organically. If you do find someone who you click with on a professional level, be proactive. Reach out regularly (for me, that’s every two months) and always offer to work around their schedule.
“Work Hard and Be Kind” Is My Motto (and It’s Served Me Well)
Work hard and be kind. My mom wrote this simple quote on a chalkboard in our kitchen when I was about 15, and I’ve never forgotten it. It might sound naive, but I really believe that if you do your best and try to act with kindness at work (and in life!) good things will come your way.
I Am Constantly Learning From Other Women in My Field
Stella Bugbee, the editor in chief of The Cut, consistently pushes the boundaries, and I’m so inspired by her work, voice, and point of view. I learned a lot from her interview on Bon Appetit’s Foodcast podcast.
Have an Appetite for Media (and Consume as Much as Possible)
For me, it’s less about career books and more about constantly staying on top of digital articles from publications and writers I admire. The sites I check daily are The Cut, The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Medium, Digiday, and Domino, of course.
I listen to the Digiday podcast to stay up-to-date with industry news, The Daily for current affairs, The Cut on Tuesdays for storytelling, Offline for work-life perspective, and The Minimalists to remind me that less is more.
Never Stop Learning
It’s almost impossible to feel like you’ve truly mastered your craft when you work in media, and you have to learn to be okay with that. There’s always a new platform, a new algorithm, a new way to tell a story. The most successful people are those who like to be kept on their toes.
Digital Media Isn’t Easy, But I Find Inspiration in the Challenge
A healthy dose of reality. Digital jobs can be tough—the 24-hour news cycle is relentless and you’re constantly “on”—so sometimes it helps to take a step back and remember why you started. At its core, Domino aims to inspire readers with beautiful home tours, clever DIYs, and feel-good decorating ideas. I try to remember that when I’m stressed and need to find my center.
I Swear By the One-Touch Rule for Maximum Productivity
Email is the biggest source of stress for me. It’s never-ending and I hate feeling like I’m not on top of it! Lately, I’ve been trying the one-touch rule which means that as soon as I open an email, I have to action it (respond, forward, or archive) and remove it from my inbox. It takes a lot of discipline (I’m guilty of leaving messages unanswered) but it means that I never do the same task twice or let inbox anxiety simmer.
I’m Always Looking for Contributors, So Hit Me Up
I’d love to hear from you! I’m always on the lookout for beautiful home tours and sharp contributors. If you have an idea for Domino or are interested in collaborating with us, shoot me an email at pitches@domino.com.
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Gwyneth Paltrow, Marie Kondo, Tyra Banks, and More on the #1 Book They Always Recommend
Create & Cultivate 100 honorees share the tomes they swear by.
Photo: Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
Just a quick glance at the reading habits of some of the most admired business people of our time is enough to convince you to crack open a book. Bill Gates famously reads 50 books a year, Warren Buffet spends five to six hours a day reading, and the one-and-only Oprah Winfrey credits books for much of her success, which is one of the reasons why she started her influential book club way back in 1996 (!).
In search of a fresh crop of inspiring, motivating, confidence-boosting books to add to our own to-read piles in 2020, we asked this year’s Create & Cultivate 100 honorees to share the #1 book they always recommend—and they did not disappoint. Spanning timeless tomes filled with tried-and-true life lessons to hot-off-the-press books brimming with sage career advice, this list of page-turning reads has it all.
Ahead, 65 badass female founders, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and all-around successful women reveal the books that helped them get where they are today. Prepare to fill your Amazon cart accordingly.
JACEY DUPRIE: “The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz. It gives quick little nuggets of business advice that you can actually apply to your day-to-day.”
MARIE KONDO: “Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Elizabeth’s approach to work and life celebrates many of the same values as the KonMari Method. I admire her vulnerable path to self-discovery.”
SHAY MITCHELL: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s an amazing read, pertinent to almost everyone and riddled with pertinent lessons we should take to heart.”
JESSICA KOSLOW: “Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie. It’s about this woman who lost her son to cancer and her road back to celebrating life. Every day there’s a different mantra based on what she was going through during those 365 days back to finding herself. It’s really special and I read it every morning. Erin—the GM of Onda—gave me the book and it’s really helped me get through this time of opening this restaurant.”
DAISHA GRAF: “Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. Keep the wonder in your life. Nothing is impossible. If you can dream it, you can do it.”
OLIVIA CULPO: “I am a huge bookworm so it’s really difficult to choose one but a few of my favorites are How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.“
DANIKA BRYSHA: “The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle Laporte. A great way to get clear on what you want and just dig deep into the direction of your life.”
TIA MOWRY: “The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book taught me that whenever you feel like you're alone, you're not. No matter what you believe in, you're always being guided. You just have to be sensitive and open to embracing the omens.“
WENDY LOPEZ & JESSICA JONES: “Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon is a great starting guide to understanding our approach to food, nutrition, and wellness! Linda dives deep into the research surrounding weight science and addresses the history behind some of the prevalent wellness trends we see now.”
ROCKY BARNES: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Learning to not take things personally in our industry has helped me more than anything!”
KELTIE KNIGHT, BECCA TOBIN, & JAC VANEK: “Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson because we love to support the ladies who support us!”
GENEVIEVE PADALECKI: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It's simple advice that cuts to the core. Especially the ‘don't take anything personally’ message. I also love the Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. It reinforces my drive to connect with nature.”
LENNON STELLA: “Astrology for the Soul by Jan Spiller and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. These books really centered me and helped me understand myself and accept myself entirely.“
LALAH DELIA: “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. This book is essential reading because, until we truly get and honor how our mind operates and how we can take control of it, we live a life that is controlled by external and internal forces, cycles, and thought patterns that don't serve us.”
JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL: “Ah, there are so many books I'd recommend. My current demand is that everyone read Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom. She is one of the greatest intellectuals we have right now and her thoughts on race/beauty/gender/politics are challenging so much of what I've thought to be true. In the very best of ways.“
TONYA RAPLEY: “My book! The Money Manual! It's straight to the point, easy to digest and really helpful. Other than mine, Profit First by Mike Michalowiz, it's a must-read for business owners.“
KIITAN AKINNIRANYE: “Right now, I am reading The Purpose Driven Life and I really love it. I’d recommend it to anyone who is searching for purpose and even people who are already walking in their purpose. It really gives insight into how to do it from a God perspective, which is really important to me.”
MELISSA BEN-ISHAY: “I love The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.”
ISKRA LAWRENCE: “Now that I'm pregnant, I am reading this amazing book that I would definitely have anyone that's pregnant or planning to be pregnant read. It's called Three in a Bed and I find it absolutely fascinating. For me, motherhood has been my biggest goal and dream and something that I want to make sure that I am as prepared as possible. For me, it's the most important job you can do in the whole world. Raising this human to be a good person who is motivated and passionate and embraces all the things that make them special. I think it's a fantastic book in a world where childbirth has a set routine when in reality there are so many options.”
CHRISELLE LIM: “Outliers and The Tipping Point, both by Malcolm Gladwell.”
NOELLE SCAGGS: “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and in Business by Charles Duhigg. It’s my life bible and everyone should have this book by their bedside. It lends a real perspective on human nature when it comes to routine and comfort.“
LINDSAY PEOPLES WAGNER: "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is a book that changed my life and can be read over and over again.”
JULIA LANDAUER: “Forever by Pete Hamill. It's a novel that's a beautiful love story to New York City, but it's also an example of living life fully, being present, and appreciating our own existence.”
JULIA CHEEK: “The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz! It’s an honest look at the ups and downs of building a company. It makes the job a little less lonely to know that all of the best founders have gone through the same rollercoaster.”
CINDY ECKERT: “Purple Cow by Seth Godin. Read it. It encourages the powerful idea that you should embrace what is unique to stand out in the sea of sameness. If only Seth would reprint it this year and title it Pink Cow.”
NOOR TAGOURI: “The Originals by Adam Grant.“
ALLY MAKI: “Anything by Brené Brown. Her words on vulnerability and shame have gotten me through some of my toughest moments.“
BECCA TILLEY: “How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It’s basically a book teaching you how to be kind to people and how to treat people you meet for the first time. I always go back and read certain parts because it’s always so eye-opening and being kind to people is never going to go out of style!“
TYRA BANKS: “Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. I am obsessed with his company culture. So much that I cold-called him! We were on the phone for over an hour and he shared so many valuable insights (all of which I implemented with my team!). I highly recommend this book for entrepreneurs.”
JESSIE JAMES DECKER: “I loved The Glass Castle. Jeannette Walls had a wild and unique childhood, but that didn't stop her from achieving her goals and building her character. That's what I always say when things seem messy... it builds character.“
MANDANA DAYANI: “Last year, I read On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder. It was incredibly eye-opening and a critical reminder that we must learn from our mistakes. It also provides context for how critical this time is for democracies across so many countries in the world.”
CAMILA COELHO: “Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell—it explores the various differences between us as humans and why some succeed more than others.“
JAIME-LYNN SIGLER: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. In a way, it takes all the pressure off life. It allows you to really see the world through a different lens. I re-read it every year and even have a tiny copy of it that I carry in my bag.”
MARNI SENOFONTE: “Some oldies but goodies—The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch—both still hold their weight.“
FADIA KADER: “The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins. I was given this book when I started a new role and it helps you level-set expectations in your first 90 days in a new company or a new role. I read it as a refresher with each new chapter/role in my career. I often gift it to friends and peers and love seeing them continue that tradition.“
LAUREN CHAN: “The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor—and I suggest you listen to the audiobook so that you can hear the author preach.”
TYLYNN NGUYEN: “Women With Money by Jean Chatzky. We need to be more confident in our own means and still stop apologizing for having your life together. This is a great book for women who have money or women creating wealth or even women who want to create wealth for themselves. We are in this together. Let's talk more about how to build each other up in all facets.”
PAIGE ADAMS-GELLER: “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book is a quick read that can be applied not only in business but in all of your personal interactions.”
LILY ALDRIDGE: “The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite stories of all time! It reminds me that we are on a path in life and that there will be ups and downs, but everything is happening for a reason and to trust the journey!”
SASHA SLOAN: “Ah, it’s too hard to pick! I love to read. I guess my #1 book recommendation would be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I read it in high school and I’ve loved it ever since.“
KIRSTY GODSO: “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover.“
BRITTANY XAVIER: “Hands down, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris. I think it’s a great book for anyone that is considering creating a side-job. You need to start small, and this book will help you if you need a little more inspiration to understand that it’s feasible.”
FRANCHELLI RODRIGUEZ: “The #1 book I always recommend is the Bible! The Bible covers everything we could ever ask for. I know not everyone is a believer, but I do believe that there is a message in the Bible out there for everyone. No matter your situation or circumstance, read the Bible and you will find comfort and even answers!“
ESTE, DANIELLE, ALANA HAIM: “Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.“
SARAH LARSON LEVEY: “The Monk by Matthew Lewis. It was required reading for one of my lit classes in high school. It was written in the 1700s and is still so relevant today. I come back to it time and time again.”
PRISCILLA ONO: “I love all of the Kevyn Aucoin books! When I was growing up as an aspiring makeup artist, we didn’t have social media or the internet for makeup inspo. Kevyn Aucoin was way ahead of his time when it came to artistry and being a celeb makeup artist. His makeup looks are timeless and his background and story are so inspiring. Any aspiring makeup artist should invest in reading them.”
ANASTASIA SOARE: “Never Give In! A collection of Winston Churchill’s speeches that never fails to stir something inside you.”
KARLA WELCH: “The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch, and Just Kids by Patti Smith—because they are all perfect.”
ADRIENNE BOSH: “The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s not only about building romantic relationships, but it’s also about learning how to capture the love you have within yourself. As a young woman, I think it’s so important to learn to love yourself first before ever investing yourself in another person, so it was really helpful for me.”
NATASHA CASE: “I read books for pleasure, so 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, which you can inhale in one long weekend. For meaningful reads, The New Yorker has phenomenal writing.”
JULIANNE HOUGH: “Oh wow, there have been so many over the years. Most recently I’d have to say Belong by Radha Agrawal. It’s an incredible book about approaching life through the lens of community, being in service, making powerful contributions through collaboration and remembering there is only one you who can make a difference like you can. I also love The Artist’s Way because as a performer my whole life, it's easy to lose sight of the artist within you. This book is really a program that can be supplemented with KINRGY to nurture the artist in all of us.”
MARIA MENOUNOS: “This is tough. I can’t name just one, so here a few of my favorites:
In business, Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins, because it inspired me to make necessary financial changes and set me up for the rest of my life.
In health, The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff, M.D., because it helped me understand why I am the way I am.
You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter by Dr. Joe Dispenza, which taught me how the brain can create its own apothecary.
Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I learned so much about energy and how to get what you want.”
NANCY SILVERTON: “A good novel to escape into. For the last few years that has been The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, The Overstory by Richard Powers, The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, and Southside by my boyfriend Michael Krikorian.”
RACHEL ANTONOFF: “I will always recommend Mary Karr's Cherry. It's a perfect book.”
JENNI KAYNE: “Any of Brené Brown’s books. I could read them over and over again and still and take away something new each time.”
GWYNETH PALTROW: “Dream Work by Mary Oliver.”
HAYLIE DUFF: “I love Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Encourages creative regardless of fears! Great read.”
NYESHA ARRINGTON: “The Four Agreements is my all-time favorite book! In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offers a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. My dad gave me this book when I turned 21 years old. He is a very spiritual gentleman and I undoubtedly value his universal perspective of life. This is the most recommended ‘self-care’ book I tell people about and I have read/re-read it at least 20 times.”
LINDSAY ALBANESE: “For entertainment, I loved Bad Blood by John Carreyrou.”
CLEA SHEARER & JOANNA TEPLIN: “This may be an unusual answer to this question but… adult coloring books. They’re like our therapy and help to relieve stress after a long day. Seriously, go buy a coloring book and a pack of crayons and you'll thank us.”
SARAH BARTHEL: “I'm kind of a weirdo when it comes to books—the darker the better—so I'd recommend any Bukowski or Hubert Selby Jr.“
AISHWARYA S. IYER: “Embracing Your Inner Critic by Hal and Sidra Stone. It changed my life by helping me to overcome my own inner critic.“
TANYA RAD: “I just finished Calling in “The One” and I am obsessed with it!! It helped me learn so much about myself, my dating patterns, and helped me patch up some old wounds. Feel like 2020 is my year to CALL IN THE ONE, baby! Also, The Hollywood Commandments by Devon Franklin is soooooo gooood!!!“
MAMRIE HART & GRACE HELBIG: “Probably our own books, Mamrie's I've Got This Round and Grace's Guide. (Sorry, we had to get shameless plugs in.)“
ALYSSA RAVASIO: “I am an avid reader with towers of books constantly at risk of falling over, so this is really too hard, especially since it depends so much on the person I’m recommending to. Here are a few:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. She’s an amazing indigenous leader and teacher, and the book centers on the philosophy that people are part of nature, and how we have a responsibility to play our part in the ecosystem. A tangible example of this is that sweetgrass grows better when it’s responsibly harvested. “Leave it better” is really based on this mindset—at Hipcamp, we believe people can have a positive impact on the planet and believe it’s that kind of framing—versus a limited focus on reducing our negative impact—that will lead us to a healthier, more connected, and more regenerative future.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck. No book I’ve ever read more deeply captures the essence of humanity, in all its beauty and complexity.
The Overstory by Richard Powers. A deep examination of the relationship between people and trees.
Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice. A philosophical exploration of the culture around seasonal foods for both European cultures and indigenous American cultures. Plus great recipes.”
Photographer: Jenna Peffley
Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska
Meet this year’s Create & Cultivate 100 honorees and explore all 10 categories below.
Yes, You Can Be a Creative and Monetize Your Passion—An Artist Explains
“I have singlehandedly managed the business and the creative side of my career.”
Success and creativity feed off of our environment: the things we see, hear, and feel around us while we work are incredibly impactful as they influence our mood, creativity, and focus. For many, workspaces directly affect one’s ability to create and inevitably, those special spaces begin to reflect the people that work in them, too. It might be a cubicle, an art studio, a home office, a co-working space—or even something we haven’t thought of, but it got us wondering, what does the relationship between our workspace and success look like? For us, the answer lies with modern disruptors. Stepping inside their spaces is like peering into their mind. It might be clean or messy, colorful or plain but above all, it's personal and tells their unique story. That’s why we launched the How I Work series. Follow us as we highlight the creative people we admire, the spaces they work in, and how they monetize their passion.
Photo: @geoffguich
"Find what you love to do and make a living doing it."
We've heard the phrase over and over but is it really achievable? Sometimes it can feel like a pipe dream but we found proof in Miami-based artist, Nicole Salgar. She turned her creativity into a business and is now a highly sought after muralist who's worked with some of the world's biggest brands including Starbucks, Absolut, Tanqueray, and Create & Cultivate—she painted and installed the stunning murals for Steve Madden and BoxyCharm at our 2019 Vision Summit.
So how did she do it? How did Salgar create a demand for her artwork and secure valuable contracts with major brands? If you want to know how to be an artist and make money too, then keep reading because we sat down with Salgar to find out more about her creative path, how she hustled and cold-emailed brands to build her business, her advice for artists who want to do the same, and so much more.
Can you begin by telling me a little bit about yourself, your style of artwork, and the space you work out of?
“I began drawing and painting at a very young age, which led my parents to encourage me to attend art magnet schools in Miami for my entire education. Initially, my focus and passion were targeted at fashion design, which carried me to NYC as soon as I was 18 years old to enroll in and eventually graduate from FIT—Fashion Institute of Technology—with a bachelor’s degree.
“My ‘style of artwork’ is something that I can’t entirely describe. Having experimented with so many mediums, subjects, and intentions with visual art; I can’t say that I have a specific style. I have aesthetics that I’m naturally attracted to, as well as themes and color stories, but my style is a continually evolving and changing thing. Currently, I have a studio in my home with my partner which we both work out of."
To be our most inspired and successful selves, it takes being in a certain headspace and workspace—and your space is wonderful. That being said, your studio is crucial to your artwork. Why do you think that is? Can you walk me through its nooks and crannies and why is it the optimal place for you to create new pieces?
“The studio I work out of needs to be a perfect balance of organization and chaos. While I prefer to have materials and tools in places where I can always find them, there is an inevitable amount of clutter that makes a workspace ‘yours.’ When I am in the studio working I have a bit of a ritual before I begin where I light a scented candle and listen to a podcast. It helps get me in the zone.
“I keep quite a few plants in our space, and we are fortunate to have a great deal of natural light from two large windows. Our studio also has stacks of older paintings, as well as those which cover the majority of the walls. Eventually, we will move our studio out of our home and into a larger space, where we can make larger work and bigger messes.”
Nicole Salgar hand-painted this mural for Boxy Charm at the Create & Cultivate Vision Summit in Miami.
Photo: Jessica Bordner Photography
Art is a wonderful outlet and vehicle for self-expression. How have you managed to monetize your passion and creativity in a noteworthy way? Can you run through your most pride and joy projects with clients that you were excited to work with?
“The monetization of any artistic or creative endeavor is a tricky thing. When working with corporate or commercial clients, I try to put as much of my own creativity into it as possible, but the very idea of ‘commercial art’ usually comes with very specific colors, themes, and branding. Potential clients will say things like, ‘we want _____, but in your style’. However, that is almost entirely impossible.
“In my personal work, I don’t incorporate branding or merchandise, nor do I use any text so, while I appreciate the interest in my ‘style’ I don’t think it’s a realistic request 99% of the time. So, when the design parameters get really narrow, there is often very little room for my own creativity to be allowed into the work. When I am approached for a commission, the commissioning company or marketing group usually has a very clear vision of what they want.
“So, in terms of monetizing my work, I have learned to primarily focus on my skill level. Even if my own ‘creative vision’ doesn’t find its way into the commercial work, I feel confident that I can execute any project, in any style, because I am constantly trying to expand, explore and perfect my skill level. I think there is value in having the physical ability to paint anything, no matter how far outside of your own vision it may be. A job I had this year that I was really excited about was working with Hope murals which is a nonprofit organization that brings art to young kids at detention centers. That for me was a really incredible project, although I did not get compensation for it, it is doing something that is bigger than myself and meaningful to the kids.
“Another client I worked with this year was Starbucks where we painted a siren inside a new store they opened here in Miami, Florida. We work with them a lot and they are one of my favorite clients. I love my clients and I always find a way to collaborate with them.”
What was the vision/direction for the studio space? What did you think about when decorating?
“When decorating our workspace, my greatest intention was efficiency. I work out of a small space, which is nice because it feels more like home, but obviously comes with its own limitations. Ideally, I feel it’s best to have a workspace away from home. It’s a similar concept to studying in a library as opposed to your bedroom. Being away from home in a workspace can put you in much more of a working mindset. Your home is a place of comfort, which can often be distracting and too relaxed to get into a serious work mode. With that being said, I think being surrounded by your own work can be a great motivator to learn from past mistakes and to see your own evolution and progress on a daily basis.”
How important is the design of your studio for conjuring the creativity and inspiration for your work?
“I don’t think the design of my studio determines much of my creative process. Having done so much public work, I’ve learned to get into a productive headspace wherever I am at the moment. There are times (particularly painting murals) where the weather, equipment, or other work conditions are far from optimal, but you have to learn to work around it. I feel it’s important to avoid specific conditions or rituals in order to do your best work, that should be something you can channel and execute at any time, from any place.”
"It’s important to avoid the idea of branding yourself. You can’t bank on one style, one image, one thing—diversity is key."
—Nicole Salgar, Muralist and Founder, NS/CB Studio
What is your biggest inspiration? And how does the factor into your work?
“Oddly enough, I think my biggest inspiration is cinema. Although it’s an art form that I have no experience with, it is definitely the thing that motivates me the most to create paintings. In cinema, life is captured through very specific compositions and color schemes for maximum effect. In recent years I have been very influenced by the films of Panos Cosmatos, Peter Strickland and Nicolas Winding Refn as well as classics such as Almodovar, Hitchcock, and Argento.”
What is your favorite piece/place in your studio and why?
“It’s very difficult to say which my favorite piece is. I must admit, my favorite work of my own will almost always be my most recent. I have been working on a series of portraits that play with the idea of inter-dimensional existence, or multiple realities. Those would be my favorite currently, but I’m sure that will change soon.”
How did you decide on the color scheme?
“Color is an obsession of mine. I most often lean toward vivid colors with abrupt contrast accents. Lately, I have been using a cooler color palette as the majority of the pieces, while filtering in an accent of an extreme red or hot pink to offset the composition and draw the eye to where I want it to focus.”
Do you have any tips on how somebody might be able to accomplish what you’ve accomplished... in regards to working with a client that they’re striving to work with and finding someone that aligns with their vision?
“People ask me this question a lot. The way I’ve gone about making a career out of art was entirely through my own diligence. Every opportunity I’ve been given, came because I was consistently emailing companies, interior decorators, property owners etc. At times, it is tedious and exhausting, but I will spend entire days/weeks/months contacting companies I would like to work with. Now, I may only hear back from 5% of these potential clients, but that 5% may lead to a job, which makes it possible for me to continue living and working as I do. This is the only path I know toward monetizing my work. I have no experience with agents, managers or galleries. I have single-handedly managed the business and creative side of my career."
“So my advice would be to identify your intention first. If your primary motive is to make money, then you need to do extensive market research in order to price properly and to identify the clientele who are going to generate that revenue. If your intention is more for yourself and your own creativity, I think it’s important to try everything, and over-think nothing. Of course, we would all love to make money while doing work that comes from the heart, but business and creativity are often polar opposites from one another. So, it’s important to work in both realms equally in order to keep the lights on, while still developing your own work and voice.
“I also think it’s important to avoid the idea of branding yourself. If you provide yourself with specific parameters because you’re trying to brand yourself, you automatically limit your own work, and you give your work a shorter shelf-life. Branding is often based on trends, and trends are always shifting. You can’t bank on one style, one image, one thing—diversity is key.”
Photo: @vacostudio
Your art is a full-fledged business and being an artist is your full-time job. Can you highlight some obstacles that you’ve faced on your way to where you are now? And how did you surpass them?
“When discussing art as a career, there are several obstacles that will affect you, as well as the greater creative community. One of my largest issues is pricing within the art community. Outside of the gallery system, the art business is basically the Wild West. For example: If a property owner in Miami wants to commission a mural, they might get 15 different submissions or proposals. Of those 15 proposals, there will be a wide variety of prices, ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to nearly nothing. The price someone else quotes, doesn’t always reflect the quality of their work or their skill level, but for the clients, it can turn into a bidding war where the lowest bidder gets the job. That lowest bidder might do an amazing job on the mural, but they are now known as the ‘cheap muralist’, and when they do decide to start pricing appropriately a new ‘cheap muralist’ will underbid them and so on.
“It’s extremely important to know the value of your work, to price it appropriately (professional industry standards), and to stick to that price. We are not used car salespeople, we are creatives and our creativity needs to be used in our work, not our negotiating skills. It is a constant struggle to surpass this issue but I stick to my prices and I still get clients so I am grateful that the clients I work with now value me and my work.”
Who is your favorite artist right now?
“Currently, I’ve been really inspired by a painter by the name of Mr. Aryz. His recent work is absolutely beautiful in composition, color, and execution.”
Where can someone buy and support your art?
“I have several avenues which potential clients contact me through, but our website nscbstudio.com is the most efficient way. I can also be easily contacted through Instagram @nmsalgar or @nscbstudios.
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Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
“Nothing comes easy. Yes, luck and destiny do play a part, but nothing works like hard work.”
When it comes to rewriting the rule book, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the editor in chief.
The actor admits she took a “huge risk” to leave her thriving career behind in India to work in the U.S. and it’s safe to say the leap paid off. Today, the former pageant queen is one of the most successful women in Hollywood but she’s put in nearly two decades of work and hustle to get there. “If you don’t take chances if you don’t push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable, you never evolve,” she tells Create & Cultivate.
For the next chapter of her rule book, Chopra Jonas has added humanitarian, producer, and a tech investor to her title. She launched her own production company Purple Pebble Pictures in 2015, became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, and an investor in dating app, Bumble. Let’s not forget that she has starred in more than 50 films and is slated for several major projects this year and next, including a starring role in Amazon's Citadel with Richard Madden.
Ahead, Chopra Jonas shares the story behind her bold move to the U.S. (and why it was the hardest professional decision she’s ever made), her secret to confidence, and how nothing works like hard work.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: So, we read that you originally wanted to be an engineer before your mom secretly entered you in the Miss India contest (which you won) and later the 2000 Miss World contest. How did that experience shape you? What did you learn? And how did that steer you towards your career path today?
PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS: It is essentially the foundation of what I would eventually become. I learned to get out of my comfort zone and try new things; that taking risks can yield big returns; that if you want something bad enough and if you work hard, you will succeed. Miss India and Miss World introduced me to the world of entertainment and also to my creative side, which I hadn’t tapped into at that time. It opened my mind to the immense possibilities that the world has on offer.
“If you don’t take chances, if you don’t push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable, you never evolve.”
Can you recall the hardest professional decision you’ve ever had to make and how you got through it? What did you learn in the process? Why it’s important to make decisions that aren’t easy?
Every few years I’ve found I am faced with a hard decision that is imperative to make and critical to my career. It comes in waves. The big one I can remember is the decision to work in Hollywood, while still having a thriving and very relevant career in India. In hindsight, I am glad I took the leap and that it paid off, but at the time it was a huge risk. What I learned in the process is that if you don’t take chances, if you don’t push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable, you never evolve—and for me, evolution is important in my personal and professional life… ultimately it’s what allows you to define your own road.
You have achieved so much success but that didn’t come without hustle and hard work. What advice would you give to young actors who are hoping to break into Hollywood but are feeling overwhelmed by the competition? What traits do you need to succeed today the way you have? Why?
Understand what makes you unique and special. Work on your strengths. It will give you the courage to go after your dreams and aspirations. In anything you choose to do, there will be many others who have the same idea—the competition so to speak—understand what makes you unique and special and embrace that.
I understood early that nothing comes easy. Yes, luck and destiny do play a part, but nothing works like hard work. Have a vision for yourself and work as hard as you can to make it happen. Oh, and remember, life is rarely ever a straight road—with the good, there will also be the bad. It is what you do after the good and what you do after failure, how you choose to get up, that defines your life.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?
I always find that acknowledging the failure and coming to terms with it, helps you move forward—then it doesn’t come back to haunt you or cause self-doubt later. Also, I have always believed in exploring all aspects of my creative self, which is why I am always pushing myself to explore new areas and try my hand at it. I never say I can’t do something until I’ve tried it. In the world, we live in today, and the immense amount of opportunities out there, it’s important to remember that it’s not a single lane of traffic but an eight-lane highway to an endless world of opportunities.
You always seem so bold and self-assured. Where do you think this confidence stems from? What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were first starting out? Why?
Confidence is self-taught. You’re not born with confidence. It is something you pick up along the way, and it is up to you how much you want to pick up. I am a firm believer that everything you go through in life leads you to the exact spot you need to be, as long as you are involved in shaping it rather than being a bystander and letting things happen. So, there is very little I want to change. I would probably just tell my younger self as I was starting out to breathe. Not every crisis is the end of the world, this too shall pass.
VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Shay Mitchell
“If you take no risks, where will you be in three years? Probably still unhappy and stuck.”
We talk about career shifts a lot at Create & Cultivate because there’s nothing more inspiring than seeing someone push their doubts and fears aside to embark on a completely new path, oftentimes without any previous experience or education. Shay Mitchell is one of those people. While she launched her career as the character Emily Fields on the hit show Pretty Little Liars (or as Peach on season one of Netflix’s new hit show You), that might not be where many of you reading this found out about her. Why? Thanks to Mitchell’s entrepreneurial mindset, she recognized the opportunity on YouTube very early on.
Five years into filming the show, Mitchell started creating videos for her channel across beauty, fashion, fitness, food, and travel. She has now amassed over four million subscribers on the platform—and almost 27 million followers on Instagram—and the popularity of her travel series, SHAYCATION led to the formation of her sell-out travel accessories line, BÉIS. Since it’s 2018 launch, the brand has seen more than 200% growth and is on track to deliver more than $20 million in profitable revenue. Oh, and did we mention that Mitchell recently became a mom too? Yep, she really is a pivot pioneer.
Read on to hear how Mitchell successfully switched lanes from actor to vlogger to entrepreneur and why she believes self-doubt is totally normal.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: Your career launched playing Emily Fields in the television series Pretty Little Liars but it continues to span across so much more than entertainment—your YouTube channel documents fashion, hair, and makeup tips, your favorite food recipes, travels, fitness routines and now your journey as a new mom. How did you make the pivot from actor to creative director and more? What advice do you have for people reading this who want to make a similar pivot in their career but don't know where to start or fear the leap?
SHAY MITCHELL: I’m a super passionate person, and I love to have my hands in as many projects as possible. At the time that I joined YouTube, I was five years into filming Pretty Little Liars and found myself itching to flex my own creative muscle. I was constantly surrounded by super fun, artistic and smart people, and thought it would be fulfilling to create original content with my friends and colleagues. My travel series, SHAYCATION, on YouTube, and my lifelong passion for travel, gave me real-life experience and inspiration for my travel accessories line, BÉIS. I purchased a lot of luggage and travel items over the years, and always felt that I was compromising for either form or function, and would doodle ideas for luggage and accessories that had both all the time.
When the opportunity popped-up for me to start my own brand, I literally jumped at it. To be perfectly honest, I am not one that likes really likes to give advice because I feel like what works for me might not work for others and vice versa. That said, as cheesy as it might sound I would say the principles that I try to live by are to follow my heart, vision, and intuition. If you take no risks, where will you be in three years? Probably still unhappy and stuck. Vulnerability is one of life’s greatest givers of lessons. It’s also okay to fail, so long as you use it as an opportunity for growth and not shutting down.
You launched your travel accessories company BÉIS! and the success has been phenomenal—congrats! What has been the biggest lesson you've learned through launching and expanding your business? What advice do you have for women with small businesses hoping to grow or change their businesses and achieve your success?
It was actually just a little over a year ago that we launched BÉIS! and again, I don’t really like to give advice but would say that authenticity in approach and execution are penultimate. I do things because I feel like I understand there is an opportunity or because I really believe in what I’m doing and think I can do a better job of what is already available. I don't think it is ever smart to do something exclusively for money or clout. You should do it because you really care about what you’re setting out to achieve.
“If you take no risks, where will you be in three years? Probably still unhappy and stuck.”
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?
First and foremost, I never view things as failures. If I make a decision and it doesn’t succeed then I feel it’s a learning curve and lesson from which to learn. Finding new paths and switching gears can be challenging, but if we’ve exhausted the roads we are on then the best thing to do is to find another way to forge ahead.
You always seem so bold and self-assured. Where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?
That’s so nice to hear, though I will be the first one to admit, as most humans do, that I have self-doubt often. I doubt myself all the time, and I think that is totally normal. No one is ever really sure of themselves 100% of the time. As humans, we have to question ourselves because we care. To me, this is similar as to when people ask me if I'm nervous before an audition. Of course, I’m nervous! If I'm not nervous then it concerns me more because deep down I feel like it means I don’t care that much and that I probably shouldn’t be there in the first place. My “advice” (aye yi yi) would be to embrace the self-doubt. Questioning yourself is an important part of growing as a person and growing a brand—making sure you’re doing the right thing—its also a way to keep your intuition in check.
You've achieved phenomenal success but that didn't come without hard work and determination. What does it take to be successful today? What personality traits do you need in this competitive environment? Why?
The first word that comes to mind is tenacity. Being dedicated. Seeing things through—even when things seem impossible or difficult. Maintaining a positive outlook. Having a strong team and community to depend on.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your business and how did you turn it into an opportunity?
I think one of the biggest challenges we faced was during launch when we sold out of six months of supply, of most products, almost immediately. We had invested so much in marketing and brand building and then didn’t have any product to sell. Some would say it’s a good problem to have, and yes, it was great to have early success but the team and I saw the opportunity cost in lost sales and frustrated consumers.
To turn it into an opportunity we decided to be very transparent with consumers and told them what was happening, which in some ways we feel resulted in a more emotional connection with our audience. Being out of stock also created pent up demand and a sense of scarcity which has proven to be a super-strong sales lever for us. We translated that into a strategy for some of our more seasonal and limited-edition styles: “get it while it lasts” if you will.
You have an incredibly busy schedule juggling multiple businesses, acting, and family—What are your productivity hacks to get it all done? What apps or is there a hack you use every day to help keep you organized and on track?
Truthfully, no hacks or apps, just a really steady head and have taken great care to surround myself with passionate people that are experts at what they do to support me along the way. My team is small but mighty, and they can always be counted on to keep me organized and on track.
“Questioning yourself is an important part of growing as a person and growing a brand.”
What is your 2020 vision? What is in store for Shay Mitchell this year? Why?
Nothing radically different, just more, more more! It’s the nature of my personality and the beast.
What is the #1 book you always recommend and why?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s an amazing read, pertinent to almost everyone and riddled with pertinent lessons we should take to heart.
VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.