Hey, Creatives! Here's What to Expect at Our Making It With Madewell Summit

Photo: Smith House Photography

Calling all artists, creators, dreamers, and makers, we’re teaming up with Madewell on August 15th for our Making It With Madewell Digital Summit. Join us for a super fun afternoon of biz-focused chats, workshops, and studio tours devoted to championing creatives, including artists, small business owners, and Madewell’s own Hometown Heroes.

We’ll be joined by the likes of Blair Armstrong, founder of Gilded, Steffi Lynn Tsai, artist and founder of Have a Nice Day, Danielle Nagel, designer and founder of Dazey L.A., and more makers who will be chatting about the challenges of scaling a biz built on handmade goods, the ever-evolving small business e-comm landscape, and so much more! 

Experts from Planoly and Squarespace will be hosting workshops on how to make the most of all their latest tools and resources. Plus, we'll have a community Slack channel where you will have the opportunity to network with fellow creators, artists, and designers all day long! Who knows, you might meet your next business partner!

Last, but certainly not least, Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and producer Yvonne Orji will take to the virtual stage to chat with C&C founder and CEO Jaclyn Johnson about how she pushed fear aside to follow her creativity, what her creative process looks like, and how she feeds and nurtures her creativity to build a life of passion and purpose.

Scroll on for all the deets, and if you haven’t already, be sure to RSVP for free (yes, you read that correctly, FREE!) ASAP!

THE DATE

Saturday, August 15th, 2020

TUNE IN FROM HOME

First things first! On Saturday, August 15th, you’ll receive an email with the link to access the exclusive Making It With Madewell site. Please note: All content will go live on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), including the launch of the exclusive Making It With Madewell site. To find out what time a session is happening in your time zone, use this handy time zone converter.

Making It With Madewell is made up of pre-recorded video sessions hosted via Vimeo and live video sessions streaming via Zoom. We recommend that you have a strong WiFi connection and update to the latest version of Zoom for the best experience. Making It With Madwell is optimized for desktop, so it is best viewed via a computer or laptop, rather than a tablet or phone.

While the live content is specifically designed to be watched in real-time, you’ll be able to access and view it until Friday, August 21st at 5 pm PDT (Insiders, you have all-access even after the cutoff via your C&C Insiders dashboard!). You’ll be able to RSVP up until August 19th at 12 pm PDT. 

THE SCHEDULE

Making It With Madewell is built just like our in-person conferences, which, of course, you all know and love. We have a stacked schedule with an A-list line-up of speakers so we suggest taking notes along the way. 

Want the full lineup? Check out the play-by-play schedule to map out your big day. Please note, all times are listed in PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) and EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). To find out what time a session is happening in your time zone, use this time zone converter. 

It’s going to be HUGE so we recommend getting a head start on planning out your day now.

THINGS TO PREP AHEAD OF TIME

Here are a few things to prep before the big day so it goes off without a hitch:

• Make sure you have a strong WiFi connection.

• Install Zoom on your desktop computer or laptop and test it out.

  • Zoom tips:

    • Find a quiet place to tune in. Try to situate yourself in a small room that does not have an echo. 

      • Try and stay away from noisy electronics and silence your cell phone and computer notifications for an optimal experience.

    • When possible, limit your internet connection to solely the device you’re using for the Zoom conference.

      • Set your phone to airplane mode, pause your television connection, ask others in your home to pause anything that may require a strong internet connection, etc. 

    • Update to the latest version of Zoom for the best experience

• Be sure to download the workshop assets so you can follow along with the expert in real-time. Note: Your exclusive workshop downloads will be available starting Saturday, August 15th via the exclusive Making It With Madewell site. 

• In the gamified workshop From Telling to Selling: How to Grow Your Brand Online Presented by Squarespace, with Brittany Antoinette, founder of The Idea Girl, your Internet knowledge will be put to the test using the best e-commerce/online practices.

  • As viewers follow along on this live website audit, they'll be graded on a scoring system where they'll receive points for each practice already implemented. 

  • You’ll leave this workshop more knowledgeable and confident on how to amplify your online presence and convert site visitors into diehard customers.

• In the interactive workshop Maker Toolkit: If You Build It They Will Come, Instagram Planning 101 Presented by PLANOLY, co-founder and CCO Brandy Pham will teach you how to utilize storytelling on Instagram to break through the clutter and turn your followers into customers.

  • Follow along using a worksheet (which will be available to download on the day-of site on August 15th) to brainstorm storytelling techniques, content that drives engagement and sales, and learn planning best practices from the woman who pioneered visual planning on Instagram.

  • You’ll leave this workshop with a better understanding of how to best position your social media through storytelling by creating captivating stories that are driven with intention along with a clear path to making sure your content stands out.

• Join the Mentor Power Hour Slack channel and peruse the list of mentors who will be answering questions in real-time in hour-long Zoom webinars and choose your mentor(s). 

  • We have experts in everything from creating engaging content to growing a dedicated following on social media. 

  • If there’s more than one mentor you want advice from, don’t worry! You can hop from session to session over the course of the hour if you’d like. 

  • Don’t forget to jot down any questions you have for the mentor sessions ahead of time! You’ll be able to ask your Qs in real-time by typing them into Zoom’s Q&A feature.

GET SOCIAL

Stay tuned for exciting announcements and updates by following along on our social at @createcultivate. Don’t forget to tag @createcultivate and @madewell and use the hashtag #MakingItWithMadewell for the chance to be featured in our Instagram Stories throughout the day! (Psst… Search “Create Cultivate” on Instagram to use our custom GIFs.)

NETWORK

Networking is a huge part of our event and our C&C Making It With Madewell Attendees Slack Workspace is a great place to mix and mingle with your fellow Create & Cultivators before, during, and after the big day. We’ve created channels for every workshop and panel, as well as channels for international attendees, networking, and more! 

Attendees will receive a link to access our Create & Cultivate Making It With Madewell Attendees Slack Workspace in our What to Expect newsletter on Wednesday, August 12th. This Slack channel will remain accessible until Friday, 21st at 12 pm PDT. Not familiar with Slack? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Download the Slack app to your phone, computer, or both

2. Complete your account profile with a profile photo, your name, and what you do

3. Public conversations will happen in the channels (ex: #networking) and are located on the left-hand side of the app. You can also start direct messages with others in the Slack workspace

4. Hit send too early on a message? Slack has an edit feature! Click the three-dot icon located on the right side of the message to open the drop-down of message options

5. We’re all about GIFs at C&C! Here are instructions on how to integrate GIPHY into your Slack account.

6. Our Slack workspace is a busy, happening place on the day of the event. Streamline the notifications you receive by using the “mute” feature on channels that don’t pertain to you. To mute a channel, simply open up that channel, click the three-dot icon labeled “more,” and select the mute option

7. Most importantly, be kind and respectful of others. If you don’t follow this rule, you will be removed from the Slack group

If you have any questions on the day of the event about navigating the schedule, accessing the workshop downloads, or anything else, you can drop them into the customer service channel in Slack.

C&C INSIDERS’ PERKS

Our Insiders get a ton of perks at all our events—and Making It With Madewell is no exception. As an Insider, you’ll have access to all of the workshops, mentor sessions, panels, and keynotes via your C&C Insiders dashboard. This content will be uploaded by August 24th, 2020. Not an insider yet? Well, don’t miss out—you can sign up here. 

VIRTUAL GIFT BAGS

We know you want ‘em! Complete our post-event survey to receive an email packed with promo codes from some of your favorite brands, including Madewell, Planoly, Dazey LA, Schmidt’s Naturals, BYCHARI, Have a Nice Day, Teressa Foglia, Sunwoven, and more. You’ll receive the survey in your inbox on August 21st, 2020.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES?

Live chat with a C&C specialist on CreateCultivate.com. You’ll see a “Chat With Us” pop-up in the bottom right corner of your screen. 

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU ONLINE! Who are you most excited to hear speak? Which workshop are you looking forward to most? Tell us in the comments below!

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This Tech Marketing Founder Breaks Down Why Your Business Belongs in the Cloud

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

Contrary to what you hear, the cloud is safer than ever before with myriad opportunities to scale your business. Years ago, companies had to buy robust data racks and hire IT professionals to handle all the IT needs of a company 24/7/365. It was time-consuming, and a huge expense that small businesses simply couldn’t afford.

Nowadays, the cloud offers security, scale, and more at an affordable price, making it one of the best solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Businesses are often confused about moving to the cloud. It makes sense to feel overwhelmed since the cloud can often seem elusive and mysterious. This confusion can make it hard to make the leap to cloud storage. With that in mind, let’s break it down.

What exactly is the cloud?

The cloud is a central location where you backup and store all data, making it accessible from any location with an internet connection. Cloud providers maintain data centers where the information is stored (and often replicated to another data center) for safekeeping in case a complete meltdown happens.

If your business operates at all online, more than likely you should be considering the cloud. Here’s why:

1. Mobile Workplaces

Accessing files from any location, rapid sharing, and auto backups means the cloud enables you and your team to have the perfect mobile workplace. Store your images, audio, video, and files directly to the cloud instead of spending time and money upgrading hard drive space for every employee.

2. Security & Cyber Criminals

It’s not just financial or healthcare data that cybercriminals want anymore. Any data can be used for ransom, including photos, research, trade secrets, and even your website.

As a business owner, these are real issues to confront as you continue growing your business. You’re not only protecting your data, but you’re also protecting your clients’ data. That means all personal client information, credit card data, passwords, usernames, and emails are your responsibility.

Depending on your cloud provider, they can protect your business from cyber threats, DDoS attacks, and malware. The cloud also enables you to add multiple layers of security like two-factor authentication.

3. Data Storage & Backups

Remember that “Sex & the City” episode where Carrie’s laptop broke down, and she lost all her work?

For businesses, not backing up your data isn’t only risky—it’s irresponsible. Every entrepreneur should take some time to look at their business from a bird’s eye view, and that includes the technology demands of your business. Being in the cloud means that all your work can be automatically backed-up and accessed by your team with little to no effort—and at a more affordable cost than attempting to buy all the infrastructure yourself.

4. Scalability & Growth

Starting your business is one thing. Growing and scaling it is another. Lucky for you, the cloud is incredibly flexible. This means you can start a business with minimal IT requirements and easily expand your cloud storage space as your business grows with little upfront investment.

About the Author: Naly Rice is the founder and CEO of LNCG, a tech branding, marketing, and design agency. She is a blogger at NalyRice.com and is a burgeoning speaker who talks about entrepreneurship, women, and minorities in business and tech marketing.

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This story was originally published on March 16, 2019, and has since been updated.

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"I Was Always Broke Trying to Fund My Business"—Why This Successful Founder Wants You to Save As Much As You Can Before Launch

You asked for more content around business finances, so we’re delivering. Welcome to Money Matters where we give you an inside look at the pocketbooks of CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this series, you’ll learn what successful women in business spend on office spaces and employee salaries, how they knew it was time to hire someone to manage their finances, and their best advice for talking about money.

In honor of Black Equal Pay Day, we're shining a spotlight on Black female founders by taking a closer look inside their successful businesses and how they funded them from the ground up.

Kenyata Gant tells me she was “operating on faith” when she bootstrapped her business, Pink Lipps Cosmetics. Turns out the universe was listening because after sending a tweet that she needed an investor, a philanthropic follower gifted her $10,000 to get the company off the ground. “ I had no idea what to spend that money on except that I needed inventory,” she tells Create & Cultivate. “The process was hard because I knew that I would make a lot of mistakes and I did, but I was ready to because I know that mistakes are lessons.”

Once the $10,000 ran out, Gant self-funded the business using money from her full-time corporate job. If she could go back to the beginning, Gant says she would have saved more money before launching the business. “I was always broke trying to fund my business,” she reflects. “I would recommend saving money and building on it because it is the smart thing to do. Being broke is not fun!” 

And as for the kind investor? “We are still friends to this day,” reveals Gant. “He congratulates me from time to time and I still thank him for giving me that chance! “ Read on to learn more money advice from Gant, mistakes made along the way, and why she believes all founders should pay themselves 30%.

On raising money…

Three crucial elements to include when pitching to raise money are:

• Things that set you apart from your competition

• A clear vision of why the world needs your business

• A solid plan to achieve your vision 

On paying herself…

I think business owners should pay themselves 30% or a minimum of $50 a month. I didn’t do that for five years into my business. 

On working full-time while building the brand…

I worked another job for five years before solely going self-employed. I funded my business with the leftovers of my check. My advice would be to save and raise as much money as you can before starting a business. 

On the most important area for business owners to focus their financial energy…

Branding and marketing! I chose those two because you can market literally anything and make millions if marketed the right way and to the right customer.

On her first big expense as a business owner…

My first big expense was inventory but I could handle selling that so then it was hiring a social media manager. I would say prepare for that by learning all that you can so you can run social media yourself until it becomes overwhelming, then hire someone to take it up a notch. 

On the top three largest expenses every month?

My PR agency, my social media manager, and my influencer relationship manager.

On knowing when to hire…

I knew I was ready to hire when I made the decision to scale my brand. Scaling my brand wasn’t just about having the money to do so but the mindset to do so. I thought I could do everything by myself but I knew that my business just wasn’t going to get bigger that way.  I am not an expert at everything and I had to learn that the hard way. The preparation was hard because I had to learn to trust someone else with the operation of my business. 

On saving…

Yes, I am able to save revenue and I do that by telling myself that I must practice good business habits to continue to be successful. I spend money on things that are absolutely needed and will give me a good return. 

On hiring an accountant…

I hired an accountant after being in business for five years. It was the smartest thing I could have done. 

On spending wisely and taking it slow…

For small business owners on a budget, stay on that budget. Spend wisely and make sure you will get a nice return on what you purchase. Take your time with spending and don’t rush the process of becoming successful. Success is loving what you do and doing it every day, so run your business at your pace and wisely.

On what she would do differently…

I wish I had saved more money in the beginning. If I did that then I wouldn’t have needed to use my paycheck from my corporate job to fund the business. 

On the importance of talking about money and business…

I think women should be able to talk about whatever they want to talk about as a business owner because we're just as smart as any man in business and we start/run more businesses, too. We also make good money doing it because of our passionate emotional ways.  

On the money mistakes she’s made and learned from along the way…

Spending my business money on unrelated business things and business things that weren’t needed. I spent too quickly and didn’t put the money back into the business, so that was one of the hardest money lessons I had to learn. There was a time when I couldn’t afford to expand.

On the best piece of money advice for new entrepreneurs…

Hire an expert or educate yourself on how to handle your business money. You can’t go wrong with those two things. 

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How Courtney Shields Pitched an Innovative Clean Beauty Product Over Dinner and Turned It Into a Reality

“

I didn’t want to just white label something, I wanted to be a part of the process.”

—Courtney Shields, Founder, CourtneyShields.com

Courtney Shields is the definition of a glow-getter. 

Six years ago, she was a singer-songwriter looking to break into the music industry when she decided to take the leap and launch a blog to share her beauty and fitness tips. What originally started out as a passion project quickly proved to be a profitable business.

Fast-forward to today and that humble blog is now a multifaceted platform reaching thousands of daily readers and over 680K Instagram followers. It should come as no surprise that Shields has collaborated with all the major beauty brands, and this month, she launched her very first product, Glow Hour, with the innovative clean beauty brand TULA. 

Like many of the best beauty products, the idea for Glow Hour was born from a personal need. Unable to find a brightening under-eye treatment she loved, Shields decided to create it herself—and she found the perfect in a brand she’d worked with for years: TULA. One evening while at a work dinner with reps for the brand, she took a sip of her wine, made the pitch, and the rest is history.

At Create & Cultivate’s recent Digital Beauty and Self-Care Summit, Maya Allen, a beauty editor at Marie Claire, virtually sat down with Shields to learn more about her multi-hyphenate career and her latest venture in the competitive clean beauty industry, including the night she summoned the courage to pitch the idea to TULA over tapas and wine.

Scroll on for all of the most memorable moments from the conversation, and be sure to grab a notebook and a pen because you’re going to want to write these quotes down.

On launching a beauty blog… 

“I love helping women feel more confident.” - Courtney Shields

On cultivating inner beauty…

“Inside out, outside in.” - Courtney Shields

On partnering with TULA on Glow Hour…  

“Choosing TULA was super easy for me.” - Courtney Shields

“I’ve been using their products for 5 years.” - Courtney Shields

“I wanted to work so closely with the team to create something from the ground up.” - Courtney Shields

“I didn’t want to just white label something, I wanted to be a part of the process.” - Courtney Shields

On the importance of getting started... 

“You can always pivot as you go, but just start.” - Courtney Shields

On forging ahead during COVID…

“You can look at 2020 two ways. One way is you can choose to complain and feel stuck and frustrated, or you can use 2020 as an opportunity for growth.” - Courtney Shields

“There’s power in our perspective.” - Maya Allen 

On not paying attention to the number of followers, likes, or comments…

“If you are seeking outside validation, you’re never going to be happy.” - Courtney Shields

On seeking work-life balance… 

“You can have it all, but you can’t have it all at once.” - Courtney Shields 

On prioritizing self-care…

“Go for the walk, take the bath, do whatever fills you up, otherwise you’re pouring from an empty cup.” - Courtney Shields

On standing out in a saturated space…

“You have to do what you’re passionate about.” - Courtney Shields

“Standing out in a saturated space is all about being yourself and being authentic.” - Courtney Shields

“If you start trying to emulate what everyone else is doing, you’re on an uphill battle.” - Courtney Shields

“Looking inward, figuring out what feels good to you, and then doing that full-force is so important.” - Maya Allen

On navigating negativity and naysayers…

“I’m not a jar of Nutella, I can't please everyone, no matter what I do.” - Courtney Shields

On the best advice she’s ever received…

“Don’t procrastinate. You’ve got to get it done eventually, so might as well do it now.” - Courtney Shields

On her purpose…

“Walking through hard shit and showing people that you can still do hard things with a positive attitude and come out on the other side.” - Courtney Shields

On not paying attention to the number of followers, likes, or comments…

“If you are seeking outside validation, you’re never going to be happy.” - Courtney Shields

On seeking work-life balance… 

“You can have it all, but you can’t have it all at once.” - Courtney Shields 

On prioritizing self-care…

“Go for the walk, take the bath, do whatever fills you up, otherwise you’re pouring from an empty cup.” - Courtney Shields

On standing out in a saturated space…

“You have to do what you’re passionate about.” - Courtney Shields

“Standing out in a saturated space is all about being yourself and being authentic.” - Courtney Shields

“If you start trying to emulate what everyone else is doing, you’re on an uphill battle.” - Courtney Shields

“Looking inward, figuring out what feels good to you, and then doing that full-force is so important.” - Maya Allen

On navigating negativity and naysayers…

“I’m not a jar of Nutella, I can't please everyone, no matter what I do.” - Courtney Shields

On the best advice she’s ever received…

“Don’t procrastinate. You’ve got to get it done eventually, so might as well do it now.” - Courtney Shields

On her purpose…

“Walking through hard shit and showing people that you can still do hard things with a positive attitude and come out on the other side.” - Courtney Shields

Shop Glow Hour

TULA Glow Hour

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The Definitive List of What to (and What NOT to) Include on Your Résumé

Photo: Ivan Samkov from Pexels

Figuring out what information to include on a résumé can be difficult (psst… don’t make these mistakes) because truth be told, there’s no one answer for everyone. What information you should include on your résumé largely depends on your career, level of experience, industry, and a whole slew of other factors.

With that in mind, there are some general guidelines you can follow to better assist you with gathering the right information. Here are five do’s and don’ts of what to include on your resume.

DO

Use a font that is simple and easy to read. If you want to go with sans serif (more modern) try using something like Arial or Open Sans. If you want a serif font (slightly more traditional) try Garamond.

DON’T

Use some fancy cursive font or a font that is difficult to read. Simple is always better for fonts.

 DO

Add your education. Unless high school is your highest level of education, no need to include it. If you’re currently in college, this implies that you’ve completed high school. If you’ve graduated from college and/or post-graduate schools, include all of those degrees.

DON’T

Include dates of education unless you are just out of college or in college and have very little experience. If you’re in college or just graduated, it’s important to include dates of education to give perspective on why you don’t have much experience. Once you’re a couple of years out of school, don’t include dates of education on your resume. It can actually work against you if someone thinks you’re too green or too far out of school.

DO

Add certifications or specialized training (i.e. online courses, on the job training, software training, etc.)

DON’T

List out relevant college classes unless you’re currently in school or just graduated and need to show that you have industry knowledge.

DO 

Use job descriptions to your advantage and pull keywords and phrases from the job descriptions to integrate into your resume.

DON’T

Copy job descriptions and use those on your resume. Integrating keywords and phrases is important, but simply copying and pasting a job description you found online won’t benefit you.

DO 

Include specific metrics and achievements. Think about how you can quantify your achievements and how you can articulate your value.

DON’T

Use information from your coworker’s resume. They might have similar job duties to you, but you likely won’t have the exact same achievements.

About the Author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

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This story was originally published on August 23, 2019, and has since been updated.

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This Innovative Female-Founded Travel Company Was Thriving—and Then COVID-19 Hit

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do, but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kick-start the process, and ease some of those first-time founder nerves, we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their stories in our series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day-in-the-life feature. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty details of launching a business, from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much founders pay themselves—we’re not holding back.

Photo: Alina Tsvor Courtesy of El Camino Travel

Katalina Mayorga was busy building a career in international development when a brief conversation with a cab driver in Guatemala changed everything. The chat inspired her to leave her full-time job behind and launch a travel company dedicated to bringing tourism dollars to less-frequented destinations where they could truly make an impact on local economies. Since founding El Camino Travel in 2014, Mayorga has collaborated with local guides to bring intrepid travelers to the palm tree-lined beaches of Colombia, the salt flats of Bolivia, and other off-the-beaten-path places throughout Latin America.

Then COVID-19 hit. The rapidly spreading disease upended the travel industry overnight, and like so many entrepreneurs with businesses rooted in hospitality and tourism, Mayorga suddenly had to reexamine her business model. “While it is daunting, it is also somewhat exciting, because no one really has any idea what the ‘new normal’ will look like in our industry,” the founder tells Create & Cultivate. “This experience has forever changed travel and how it will operate moving forward, which means that despite being a small business, we can still have a large impact on how the industry builds from the ashes of COVID-19.”

Read on to find out how this enterprising entrepreneur built her business from the ground up (without a traditional business plan or a single investor) and how she’s pivoting to ensure El Camino Travel comes out on the other side of the COVID more resilient than ever.

On forgoing a traditional business plan…

“In the early stages of the business, it was important to test out different ideas, revenue streams, and types of trips to see what actually was viable to fill a gap in the market. I needed the flexibility to iterate and change course without being stuck on one way of doing business or feeling like I had wasted time by creating a thorough business plan (which often can be several pages long) that I would not end up using. Instead, I used the Lean Canvas framework, which allows you to start strategically thinking through the most important components of a successful business. I also found the book The Lean Startup by Eric Reis helpful.” 

On coming up with the name El Camino Travel… 

“It was truly a shower moment. I’d thought of several names (none of which I remember anymore), but when I tested them out on people, I got a lot of hesitation or no reaction at all. I wasn’t very excited about them either and knew in my gut they weren’t a good fit. After several weeks, the name finally hit me in the middle of a shower and I immediately ran out and yelled to my husband (who was downstairs), ‘I think I have it! El Camino Travel!’ He responded with a big smile and said, ‘That’s it Kata!’”

“I went back out into the world with that name and realized how sticky it was. Friends loved it and I loved saying it. I think this is a perfect example of one of the most important lessons that I have learned in business. Go let your ideas live in the wild before fully committing to them. Talk to people about them and immediately start testing their viability and marketability. You do not have to tell everyone everything, but do not be so concerned that someone is going to steal your idea. As someone told me early on with El Camino, ‘That’s a brilliant idea, but don’t think that no one else has ever thought of it. It is all about who runs faster and harder with the idea.’”

Photo: Jennifer Chase Courtesy of El Camino Travel

On setting up the business…

“The most important thing is having a strong operating agreement in place. This was a huge lesson learned for me because our first operating agreement is one we got through Legal Zoom. These operating agreements are not enough to address very common issues many entrepreneurs face early on in their business. The best investment you can spend early on is getting a legitimate lawyer that can help you put together a robust operating agreement. Remember that as your business grows, you may need to change your operating agreement to reflect that growth. We are on our third iteration in six years.” 

On standing out from the competition…

“To really set yourself apart in your specific niche or industry, seek inspiration from outside your industry. Look at innovative models and branding that you really admire that have nothing to do with your business and use that creative inspiration to help set you apart in your own industry.”

“Though we are a travel brand, I sought out a ton of inspiration from my work in international development, lifestyle brands that I admired, architecture and design firms, and documentary photojournalism. While the internet makes the world a much bigger place to seek out various resources, it is also very easy to get caught up in your own industry bubbles and to all be drinking the same Kool-Aid and using the same buzzwords. Force yourself to break out of that.” 

On finding local guides to partner with…

“When we launched, I was the local host for almost all our trips for the first two years and I still host two very special trips a year, our Community Retreats. I loved being a host, and it was important for me to have that hands-on experience because it made me understand the intricacies and challenges of the most important role of the trip. It also gave me a strong understanding of what qualities makes an excellent local host.”

“Though I think I am a pretty good host, I knew that having someone who was born and raised in the place we are visiting would add a whole other level of insight or value that I knew I (or any other outsider) wouldn’t be able to provide. This was actually somewhat contradictory to the industry model at the time that valued guides from Western countries or who were from the same places as the travelers.”

“Something felt inherently wrong with that model and not true to our own values. We now exclusively only hire guides from the countries we are visiting and who have interesting perspectives and stories to share with our travelers. They also must be incredibly responsible and detail-oriented.”

Photo: Emmy Hernandez Jiminez Courtesy of El Camino Travel

On funding the company…

“We started through a mix of savings, credit card debt (not a ton and I would really only recommend this as a last resort), and a small loan from friends and family. We have not raised any additional capital since then, and I am very happy that we did not end up going that route. Being scrappy made me really think out of the box in order to reduce our costs, while ensuring we were not sacrificing the quality of our service. We came up with some amazingly creative solutions along the way!”

“In addition, it forced me to focus on what works and leave behind what does not as we had less room for error. We are now in a new stage of the business where we are transitioning from scrappy start-up mentality to a robust operation. With that we also need to shift our mentality in three important ways: 1) not saying yes to everything 2) investing in people and resources that may not lead to immediate return but make sense for long term growth, and 3) not try to do everything myself and hire so that I can properly delegate.” 

On not paying herself a salary for 6 years…

“The plan was to start paying myself a salary this year. This would have been the first time I would have done that in six years. To be honest, it was still going to be less than what I was paying some employees as we were in a period of growth and I wanted to invest in that growth rather than take on loans. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has changed that as we are in a period of trying to stabilize the business.”

“I do have some flexibility right now because I am currently living in Latin America where the cost of living is much lower than the United States, so I am not in financial duress and still can maintain a good quality of life. Thinking outside the box with COVID in all sorts of ways has been critical right now.” 

“However, I was hesitant to even give myself a salary this year (where in past years I just paid myself enough to pay off my credit cards each month) prior to COVID-19, but a fellow entrepreneur turned me onto a new model of accounting called Profit First (there is a book you can read about it). The name is deceiving as it is not focused on profit at all costs, it is just another way of approaching your accounting that allows you to know if you are actually building a viable and healthy business. I have loved it and it has been a game changer for me!”

On scaling the team…

“We are a team of about four right now. I have learned that the most important part of hiring is hiring slowly and making sure you have set up the interviews in a way that gets you to know the candidate from various perspectives. This can be done by asking the right questions. If it makes sense, when you are down to the last candidates, hire them to do a quick task. Yes, pay them during the interview process. It will allow you to see if they are a good fit and how they process feedback, and it could save you much more money in the long run that comes with hiring the wrong person.”

“I did not have a ton of hiring experience, but after a few mistakes, I began to read more about implementing a strong hiring process. I talked to other peers about their lessons learned, best practices, and their favorite interview questions. Finally, this last year we developed an El Camino Professional Values statement that we include in any job announcements and we ask candidates to speak to them directly. This ensures we are being transparent and clear about what we expect from our employees and our company culture from the very beginning.”

Photo: Jennifer Young Courtesy of El Camino Travel

On hiring an accountant…

“We hired an accountant early on, and they have been so important in ensuring we are organized, and we have a system in place to understand our profit and loss statement for each and every trip. That being said, just because I wholeheartedly trust our accountant, that does not mean I walk away from having a deep understanding of our books and our monthly financial statements. I set aside about an hour a week to look at our financials and projections, and block off a full day once a month to deal with all the accounting for the month and reviewing all P&Ls for each trip to see if there are any inconsistencies or if there are opportunities to improve our margins. Know your numbers, margins, and EBIDTA as well as you know your BFF. Knowing this information empowers you as a business owner. 

On picking a niche…

“‘Pick a niche audience within the travel industry and be the best at it.’ A successful entrepreneur who had sold his travel company for $80 million gave me this advice early on, and I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. I thought diversifying my revenue streams across all types of services and products made the most sense in lowering our risk of failure as we would be able to capture a larger audience. If one thing did not work, then I could depend on the other. However, through trial and error, I realized how much of a time suck this was and how distracting it could be. Once we picked our niche lane and stuck with it, we started to see the best results across the board, and not only financially. It made us much more focused as a company and a team, it allowed me to actually pursue work-life balance, and it gave us a clear sense of purpose to rally around.” 

On launching during the Golden Age of Instagram…

“I always say that the ‘luck’ part of our business was that we launched in the Golden Age of Instagram, pre-algorithm. We understood that it was going to become a powerful source for discovery and inspiration within the travel industry, so we threw all our eggs in that basket. There were many strategies we took using Instagram as our main sales funnel, but I won’t get into them because I do not think it will work now due to how Instagram has evolved. Like the algorithm, we have had to evolve. We rarely do paid ads (I think we spend less than $100 last year on paid ads), and our most powerful source of marketing continues to be word of mouth and our reviews.”

“We also have a clear sense of our brand voice and values and it involves a lot of passion and knowledge. We are not afraid to show that off through our newsletter and social media platforms. We are not obnoxious about it, but are really excited to share all the amazing things happening in these more edgy destinations that are not on people’s radar (but absolutely should be). Finally, we are also not afraid to get personal about what we do and why we do it. For example, I just shared with our newsletter an intimate reflection on consumerism now that I have been living outside the United States for almost a year. All of this has helped us build a deep sense of trust with our audience.”

Photo: Alina Tsvor Courtesy of El Camino Travel

On seeking advice from mentors…

“I have had quite a few mentors who I reach out to for advice on various aspects of the business. However, I feel that many of these relationships are mutually beneficial. I refer them clients and/or I also share my perspectives and insights into the industry so that it is much more of a conversation where we are learning from each other. I also seek advice from individuals outside of the travel industry to push me to think outside the box.”

“I think I have maintained strong relationships by being grateful and humble with their time and expertise. People love to help, but to be honest, cold-calling has rarely worked for me. I try to find someone that can introduce me to the person I am interested in chatting to and make it very easy for them to do so. I send them three well-written sentences that have our elevator pitch and a clear reason of why I would love to connect and what I would like to discuss.” 

On learning lessons along the way…

“I am very lucky because I am actually getting to apply the lessons learned over the past six years to our newest labor of love, Casa Violeta, which is a tropical guest house we opened in Granada, Nicaragua. While not entirely the same, many of the best practices we have identified for El Camino Travel, apply here. My advice would be to be as transparent as possible with your business partners in setting expectations, do thorough market research, and understand the niche you are filling. Build a strong brand with a clear perspective and identity, and let your ideas live in the wild so you can start getting feedback immediately. The latter is the cheapest form of market research.” 

On pivoting in the wake of COVID-19…

“COVID-19 has pretty much upended the travel industry over the past few months and everyone has been impacted, no matter your size or reach. We immediately stayed on top of all the government programs for small businesses and took advantage of all of them. We also applied for grants and were awarded a few. This has given us the ability to stabilize the company over the next few months and be thoughtful about the pivots we need to make as international travel will not coming back for several months. We have been realistic from the beginning about the impact this would have on our small group trips, and I wanted our response to be less reactionary and panic-mode and more a series of intentional actions that would add long term value to the company even post COVID-19.”

“We realized that one of the things we do best is build community, so we are in the middle of doing what we do best offline by bringing it to an online community space where we can bring together inherently curious travelers who resonate deeply with our values as a travel company through The Clubhouse. It’s a membership-based community for travelers who approach the act of travel from a growth perspective, and we offer online salons, photography discussions, boutique hotel tours, and other benefits. Unlike many other online travel communities, we are hyper-focused on the quality of the members that join, rather than the quantity, to ensure the conversation is rich and meaningful. In addition, we are adjusting our trips to offer more private services where you can have a more socially distanced type of adventure focused on unwinding and recharging in beautiful natural surroundings. More on both fronts to come soon! 

Photo: Alina Tsvor Courtesy of El Camino Travel

On rebuilding the travel industry post-COVID…

“While I hate using this world, it truly has been an unprecedented period of time and everyone from the large corporations to the small mom-and-pop shops are trying to figure out how to move forward. While it is daunting, it is also somewhat exciting, because no one really has any idea what the ‘new normal’ will look like in our industry. This experience has forever changed travel and how it will operate moving forward, which means that despite being a small business, we can still have a large impact on how the industry builds from the ashes of COVID-19.”

“We can actively set the tone with others and be architects of the new normal rather than just bystanders. In this case, we are talking to other companies in the industry who we deeply admire for their creativity and innovation in pushing the mold in the industry even prior to COVID-19. We are seeing how we can best unify and collaborate on building a new normal that is more sustainable and equitable, as well as leverage our respective communities in a unified way to come out of this together stronger. To be honest, it should have not taken a global pandemic to get us all talking in a more collaborative manner, but I am glad that it did.”

On collaborating with your peers and tapping your network…

“Do not try to go at this alone. Lean on your various networks. This is the time to work together with other small businesses and start thinking outside the box collaboratively. I think this type of collaboration will be the way forward for small businesses whose budgets are limited. Mentally, it's also a lot less lonely when working with others who are experiencing similar feelings of uncertainty. You can lift each other up.”

“Lean on your community. You can get some of the best ideas by simply having honest conversations with some of your most active and loyal customers. What do they want to see from you right now? What do they expect from you? Where can you continue to add value to their life even during a global pandemic? Asking these questions and getting their feedback will help not only identify your pivot, but it also gets them invested in ensuring you make it through onto the other side of COVID-19. Again, you feel much less alone as a small business owner.”

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What You Need to Know About Design Protection in the Modern Age

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

Although counterfeiting and “copycat production” happens around the world on a daily basis, the media has shed light on specific incidents such as the escalating dispute between a small Los-Angeles based illustrator and designer, Tuesday Bassen, and the Spanish retailer, Zara. Young designers should be wary of the lessons learned from this case and would be all the wiser by looking into what unique elements of their clothing can be protected. In addition, knowing how much “inspiration” they can take from other designers without it violating the intellectual property rights of another artist or designer is equally as important. 

In the case of Tuesday Bassen, some fans believed that she had been secretly working with the big-time Spanish retailer. However, that was not the case. Tuesday Bassen first realized similarities in her designs and Zara’s later products in early 2016 and attempted to take legal action. However, for someone like Bassen, her funds have taken a hit from just these introductory legal exchanges. What we know from the press is that Bassen has already shelled out thousands of dollars in defense of her accusations. She also took to Instagram to voice her grievances to her followers, resulting in artists and bloggers publicly supporting and sharing Bassen’s, and even sharing their own stints with other alleged copycats. Zara later provided a statement detailing the company’s character as one of the utmost caliber with respect for all creators and the art they produce. The company even went so far as to suspend sales of the products in question when originally notified by Bassen’s legal representation and has stated that it wishes to stay in contact with Bassen to resolve this matter amicably.

In light of the lightning-fast pace of the industries, it seems that designers and artists are constantly copying, reworking, and building on the works of other creatives. Simply trademarking your name or logo only goes so far to protect designers in this day and age. 

“Simply trademarking your name or logo only goes so far to protect designers in this day and age.”

So where does the modern artist or designer turn to in an effort to protect their designs?

1. Copyright Protection

Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution. This is usually only for a limited time. The exclusive rights are not absolute but limited by limitations and exceptions to copyright law, including what is called “the doctrine of fair use.” A major limitation on copyright is that copyright protects only the original expression of ideas, and not underlying ideas themselves.

Copyright law requires that the work (1) be of a sufficiently permanent nature that it may be reproduced or communicated for more than a transitory period; (2) be independently created by the author, and that it possesses at least some minimal degree of creativity; and (3) not be an “idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle or discovery.”  Artwork, photographs, and three-dimensional sculptures are prime candidates for copyright protection. Another great form of protection for designers is to incorporate a unique and copyrightable fabric pattern into their designs.

Copyright protection protects unique designs on accessories and apparel, such as ornamental graphic logos, but not the designs themselves unless the design features sculptural or pictorial features. An entire body of law exists which extends copyright protection to certain unique jewelry designs, as well. While the copyright in and to an original work exists from the moment it is “published,” copyrights should be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office within the first sixty (60) days after publication in order to be able to recover attorneys’ fees and statutory damages from endeavoring copycats. 

2. Trademark Protection

A trademark is a recognizable sign, design, or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others, although trademarks used to identify services are usually called service marks. The trademark owner can be an individual, business organization, or any legal entity. A trademark may be located on a package, a label, a voucher, or on the product itself. Slogans, logos, brand names, and similar all merit trademark protection, however, trademark protection does not protect unique designs in and of themselves, only identifiable signs. That being said, often clothing does not feature any identifiable name brand on the exterior.

“Trademark protection does not protect unique designs in and of themselves, only identifiable signs.”

Most men’s jackets, for example, may feature a label on the inner jacket pocket. Crafty designers have found ways to incorporate their brand into other design features of the clothing such as embroidery or emblazoning their insignia on buttons or lapel pins.

3. Trade Dress Protection

Trade dress, like a trademark, is a legal term of art that generally refers to characteristics of the visual appearance of a product or its packaging that signify the source of the product to consumers. Some of the best examples of trade dress in the fashion industry are Christian Louboutin’s red sole, Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato or “woven” leather designs, the red stripe on the heel of Del Toro’s slippers and the match stick, tucked into the brim of a Nick Fouquet hat. Colors, patterns, symbols, and other similar design features can classify as trade dress.

Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a), protects the author from infringement of the unregistered trade dress of a product. However, obtaining a registration for trade dress is often a costly and time-consuming process. Generally, trade dress is protectable only under either of two circumstances: (1) the trade dress is inherently distinctive or (2) has acquired “secondary meaning”, such that consumers have come to identify the brand simply by the appearance of the trade dress.

Trade dress protection is generally not available to works where (1) the design element is in any way functional, or (2) the claimed trade dress amounts to nothing more than an abstract image or marketing approach.  In most cases, the U.S. Trademark Office only affords full protection to trade dress after five (5) years of use or if a designer can provide sufficient evidence that the industry and the general public recognize the design element as belonging to the designer. (For example, a consumer knows just by looking at the red sole of a high-heeled shoe, that the shoe was made by Louboutin). 

4. Design and Utility Patent Protection

 In general terms, a "utility patent" protects the way an article is used and works, while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks. Both design and utility patents may be obtained on an article if invention resides both in its utility and ornamental appearance. While utility and design patents afford legally separate protection, the utility and “ornamentality” of an article are not easily separable. 

A design patent is a form of legal protection granted to the ornamental design of a functional item. Design patents are a type of industrial design right. While copyright law requires only that a work of expression be sufficiently original to be protected, patent law requires a much higher degree of novelty and “non-obviousness.” Design patent protection is much shorter than the duration of copyright. It provides a complete monopoly so that even if someone independently comes up with your design, your design is protected. The US Patent and Trademark Office will generally grant a design patent if a designer can prove that his or her design is: (1) new, (2) "nonobvious"—a legal term of art; and (3) ornamental only, not solely functional. Elements one and two are hard to meet in the fashion world.

Unlike under copyright protection where the preparers of derivative works based on the original copyright hold no rights, the second-comer who invents a patentable improvement on a design patent may apply for and receive a patent regardless of whether the first inventor authorized the improvement. 

Alexander Wang is famous for filing design patents for his fashion items, particularly for his handbags. Many of his items that have been afforded design or utility patents are “hardware heavy”. Earlier this year, Wang successfully obtained a 14-year design patent on several of his "bags with corners"—the official title of the patents on his handbags with metal-covered corners. 

In Conclusion:

Designers should not limit themselves to only one of these options but should consult with an attorney who is well-versed in intellectual property protection to prevent the tragedy of having their work knocked off by companies large and small who are "inspired" by their hard work and ingenuity.

About the Author: Christopher Dischino leads Dischino & Company, a Miami-based law firm that provides legal advice and strategic consulting for the modern business, the entrepreneur, the free-thinker, and those looking for something outside the box. With a knack for the creative and an entrepreneurial attitude, Christopher specializes in business law, intellectual property, and corporate transactions, assisting private clients and corporate entities to establish and expand their businesses domestically and abroad. His experience allows him to create value for his clients by using resourceful structuring techniques to help minimize unnecessary costs and risks. Get more info on Christopher and his law firm here.

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This story was originally published on February 17, 2019, and has since been updated.

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13 Successful Business Owners Share the Best Money Books That Changed Their Bottom Line

In this age of information, we have everything we need to start a new business, create a website, or set up a budget right at our fingertips—Google is a powerful tool. But sometimes you need a deep dive into the topic to truly understand the scope of what’s required from every angle—that’s when we turn to books. In our new series, Turning a Page, we ask successful people to share their go-to tomes that helped transform their business. Whether you listen to them or need to physically flip the pages (and write notes or underline the text like us!), there is so much power in self-educating. Ready to turn a page in your career? These books will help take you there.

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

There are plenty of successful founders who don’t have MBAs or were college dropouts. Building a successful company takes grit, hard work, and determination, oh, and a serious love for what you do—and some are saying you don’t even need a college degree anymore. But the good news is we live in the age of information, so when you don’t know something, Google is your best friend. Or we like to go old school and turn to ye old books. It’s one of the easiest ways to self-educate and train yourself in an unknown area. As an entrepreneur, you have to be scrappy and in the early stages there really isn’t a lot of spare cash to go around—a lot of big companies started with little to no money. Until your business is at a point where you can afford to hire staff, you have to take on that work and wear multiple hats.

Money is one area where you need to be especially savvy. Get familiar with a P&L and make sure you’re not racking up debt that you can’t pay back quickly. If this is a sticky point for you, too then don’t stress, we got you. We asked 13 successful business owners to share the best finance books they’ve read and the financial lessons they learned.

Read on to find out and add them to your cart, stat.

Dr. Iris Rubin

Dermatologist and Co-Founder, SEEN Hair Care

The Book: On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar

The Financial Lesson: The book is written by my identical twin sister who is also married to my business partner Greg! Sharon is absolutely amazing, as is her book, which has had multiple printings and helped improve the lives of thousands of women. The best advice I got from the book was:

1. Financial freedom allows for powerful life choices. The strength of our finances impacts the jobs we choose and in some cases the relationships we stay in.

2. Save 10% of my money for the long term no matter what. The book talks about how that’s possible on a $30,000 salary and a $300,000 salary. It’s a state of mind that gets you there.

3. Having money in the bank is the ultimate freedom for when life changes—which it always does. And making choices from a position of financial strength is a power play. Own your finances own your life.

Tracey Hummel

Founder, Bee & Kin Smart Handbags

Book:  The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau.

The Financial Lesson: I read this book last year around the time I was starting to work on Bee & Kin. This book gives real examples, specifically documenting 50 individual entrepreneurs and how much money each of them started their business with and what they needed along the way to stay up and running.

These examples show that you don’t need a crazy investment to start a business that you are passionate about. All you need is an idea that provides real value to someone else. The two main themes he discusses throughout this book are freedom and value. Freedom is what we're all looking for and value is the way to achieve it.

Jordan Schenck

Co-Founder and CMO, Sunwink

The Books: Secrets of Sand Hill Road by Scott Kupor and Co-Active Leadership by Karen Kimsey-House

The Financial Lesson: Right now we are in the middle of fundraising and growing. The book that really changed everything for us was Secrets of Sand Hill Road by Scott Kupor. While there really is no one-size-fits-all roadmap for fundraising there are critical ways to position and sell yourself that this book helps illuminate. It has helped me and Eliza roadmap our future and strategize our raise/milestones accordingly.

For leadership and how to get through high growth in your business, I absolutely love Co-Active Leadership by Karen Kimsey-House. This was a transformational body of work that allowed me and my co-founder, Eliza, to understand our strengths and how to rely on others during a high-growth moment.

Drea Gunness-Groeschel

Founder and CEO, Beautiac

The Book: An Economist Walks Into A Brothel by Allison Schrager

The Financial Lesson: For anyone looking to make a change in their life, specifically career or as an entrepreneur, should read An Economist Walks Into A Brothel by Allison Schrager. My father, an entrepreneur himself, gave me this book and told me it would be relevant to my life in many ways. He was right! It’s about how we behave with risk and what assessment patterns we tend to fall into. The book shares how to gain financially, when to risk, when to remain in balance and when to push harder, risking more for bigger outcomes through proper mindful thinking about risk behavior.

Often we don’t realize what is truly at stake or what we ultimately want out of a “big risk.” Career defining moments, decisions to start a business, or how to plan for retirement are all important risk-based decisions. Defining goals financially and life balance is a must. I’ve applied this book to many areas of my life, specifically with Beautiac, my new start-up, and how we maneuver the company as we traverse the traction gap into a saturated beauty market. Learning how to properly assess risk is a valuable new tool in my toolkit.

Michele Thomas

Co-Founder, AZIONE

Photo: Tristan Kallas

The Book: Cold Hard Truth by Kevin O’Leary

The Financial Lesson: I’m a big Kevin O’Leary fan. I’d always stumbled upon his articles in Inc. and Entrepreneur. Every time I would read one of them, his philosophy just made sense to me on so many levels. When I wanted to pick up a book last summer, I immediately sought out more of his writing. The Cold Hard Truth details his life and offers a dose of the actual cold hard truth. Kevin highlights numerous methods to run a successful business.

The best advice I gleaned was to know your numbers, how you spend your money, how you use credit, what your margins are, and if you’re spending money to make money. When you first get into business, you’re wearing multiple hats. For my partner and I, we were doing everything from bookkeeping and invoicing clients to payroll. As your company scales, you move responsibilities. However, it’s important not to lose sight of the numbers. Driving this home made me realize I need to painfully stay on top of the numbers.

He also draws a clear distinction when it comes to business, I’m not making friends; I’m making money. Although that sounds harsh, it’s something crucial you must learn early on. You can’t make decisions based on if you might hurt someone’s feelings, or if you really like them outside of work. This is something I learned and continue to remind myself and our executives of. 

Kelly Barker

CEO and Founder, Prep Your Skin

The Book: The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

The Financial Lesson: I worked in mortgage banking for 15 years in the corporate B2B sector before becoming an entrepreneur. I oversaw large banks and independent mortgage companies, generating in excess of $15 billion in revenue. Throughout this time frame, I learned a deep understanding of each client's business model, sales plan, performance, risk, debt leverage, and cash flow. I took this knowledge and applied it to my business financial plan when creating PREP Your Skin. As a bonus, my husband is a certified financial planner and together we planned for the business years before the idea or the company was started. The company, PREP Your Skin, is self-funded and carries no debt.

For personal finances, I recommend The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey. I've helped several women get their personal finances straightened out with this book, along with my personal tips and experiences. Start with your personal finances and once you have those organized and in a good place, then you can focus on your business financial plan. 

Sarah Paiji

Founder and CEO, Blueland

Book: Lean Startup by Eric Riles

The Financial Lesson: This book really drove home the importance of and framework for fast, iterative product releases. This has enabled us to not only learn and improve continuously but also save money by not over-investing in features before understanding if consumers really value them.

Aly Korchemniy

Founder, Anfisa Skin

Photo: Cory Hultquist

The Book: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

The Financial Lesson: My favorite quote from the entire book is: “Advice is one thing that is freely given away, but watch that you take only what is worth having. He who takes advice about his savings from one who is inexperienced in such matters shall pay with his savings for proving the falsity of their opinions.” 

The book was written a long time ago, so some of the language is a bit archaic. He is saying be careful whom you take advice from, take advice from those who have what you want, those who are smart with their own money, because you might end up just like them. In this day and age, the overabundance of information we have at our fingertips is actually incredibly overwhelming. Learning to decipher whom to take advice from is key to building a strong foundation for any business owner as taking advice from the wrong person/source can be financially detrimental to a business.

Amy Voloshin

Founder, Printfresh

The Book: Double Double by Cameron Herald

The Financial Lesson: This book has been one of my go-to’s during start-up mode. I used it in my first business as a way to have a clear vision and to double the business—during that time we grew it to our first million. Now in starting up our stationery and lifestyle brand Printfresh, I’ve gone back to using the system in the book. It gives a great outline of efficient meetings you should have, ways to maximize your time off (and that of your employees for better work/life balance), tracking KPI’s (key performance indicators) and creating a dashboard to share with the team of how we are doing with our metrics.

When I was first starting out I didn’t know what to track or why but taking the time to figure out what moved the needle was incredibly important. It helped us understand how many calls we needed to make to schedule sales appointments, how many sales appointments we needed to hit our sales goals, and more. By gathering data and reviewing it on a weekly basis it’s a lot easier to take some of the emotions out of the equation and focus on the facts and if we are tracking for success.

These days we fill out a dashboard weekly and share it at our weekly meetings and the team can view it from anywhere through Google spreadsheets. I love that I can be sitting on the beach somewhere but still know how things are going at a glance.

Joanna Lau

Founder, Designer and CEO, JEMMA

Photo: Lindsay Brown

The Book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

The Financial Lesson: Many business and financial books I’ve read about entrepreneurs follow a common, and I believe misleading storyline. It goes like this: A sharp entrepreneur gets a world-changing idea, develops a clear business strategy, recruits a team of people, and together they rocket to fame and riches. No one ever talks about the climb, the brutal challenges in building something from nothing, and most importantly, the financial stress that comes with it all.

Shoe Dog, Phil Knight’s memoir about creating Nike (though not a pure financial management book), is a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. It’s a messy, perilous, and chaotic journey riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, personal and financial sacrifice. He was an accountant by training and skillfully demonstrated how to be scrappy in building a business—he paid only $35 to design the Nike swoosh and plowed every dime made in sales back into growing the business in the most strategic way possible.

This is the real deal and something I practice with Jemma as well. In this day and age, it is easy to think that what defines a successful business is how big you look on the outside and that includes having a really large team, fancy office, and very expensive branding efforts. But in reality, is that a business that will stand the test of time or a business that will run out of cash in five years? As Phil Knight has shown us, it really has to be about being frugal, spending wisely to sustain yourself long enough to outlast everybody else, and truly win.

Courtney Claghorn

Founder, SUGARED + BRONZED

The Book: Entrepreneurial Finance by Steven Rogers

The Financial Lesson: I went to an Amex Open event for female entrepreneurs and attended one of Steven Rogers' (a Northwestern MBA professor) breakout session and I thought he was incredibly intelligent, interesting, and passionate about entrepreneurship. He mentioned that he had written a book and wrote it in a more casual manner (he literally said “I write it in the way in which I speak to you all in person”) and immediately I felt as though I had a lot more to learn from him and purchased the book later that day.

I wasn't ready to raise money at the time (this was in 2014) and learned a lot about debt financing from the book, specifically regarding SBA loans. We've taken 3 SBA loans to date, which really bridged the gap for us between constantly reinvesting our own profits and being ready to raise our first round of funding. The SBA loans helped us fund our build-outs for new store openings and grow faster than just reinvesting our profits would allow. I also learned a lot about raising institutional funding, (which was on a long-horizon) and it was extremely helpful to know the basics of raising money, including everything from the basic lingo to the pros and cons of taking on an equity partner.

The biggest takeaway from Rogers' book was that raising money is most certainly not the only option while you're growing a business, which the buzz in the marketplace often suggests.  SBA loans have allowed us to grow our business and maintain 100% of our equity until we felt as though it was truly time to raise money and find a strategic equity partner to provide advice and expertise, rather than just capital.

Amy Lacey

Founder, Cali'Flour Foods

The Book: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller

The Financial Lesson: This book was a game-changer for Cali'flour Foods. I truly believe that when we made the conscious decision to make our customers the hero, our business boomed in e-commerce. This book focuses on building relationships that laid a strong foundation for us both internally and externally. We focused on the customer and our ‘why’ and the finances took care of themselves. We did exactly what the book said in regards to clarifying our message so that the customers will listen, and boy did they. Our sales skyrocketed in 2017 and have continued to grow ever since.

Alix Peabody

Founder and CEO, Bev

The Book: Principles by Ray Dalio

The Financial Lesson: This book has helped me the most as an entrepreneur. It’s full of helpful guidelines in building and running your business, and Ray's view on money is particularly helpful. Numbers are important, numbers are information but they are not objective. What is most important is the application of those numbers, the insights behind them, and how (and when) you let them guide you. 

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This story was originally published on August 29, 2019, and has since been updated.

Find Your Fire: How to Trust Your Gut and Let Your Instincts Lead the Way

It starts off as a faint feeling deep down in your belly. You acknowledge it’s there but you don’t listen, putting it off as butterflies or as a mild case of nerves so you ignore it. But it comes back and this time it’s stronger, deeper, and it rumbles, vibrating through your body. This is your intuition trying to speak to you, signaling that something needs your attention and it won’t go away until it gets its way.

Have you ever experienced this? We all have, whether we recognize it or not. Terri Broussard Williams knows that feeling well and she wants you to trust it too. It’s what led her to write her new book, Find Your Fire —a tome of powerful stories and no-nonsense advice from extraordinary changemakers on a mission to create social good. The groundbreaking lobbyist (and the voice of the popular MovementMakerCollective blog) hopes that the book will kindle more #Firestarters—aspiring politicians, activists, nonprofit professionals, social entrepreneurs, visionaries, and movement makers—to trust their gut and turn their vision for their own movement into a reality.

“The world is ripe for Movement Makers,” she tells Create & Cultivate. “If you feel a calling to help lead change for your community, just jump. Without people who are willing to lead, so much of what we love about the world today is at risk. Even with the obstacles that we face, I remain hopeful. I know that there are Movement Makers ready for the task at hand. I’m honored to be among their ranks.”

Read on to hear more about how this author trusted her own gut to write a book about it and then keep scrolling to read an exclusive chapter from Find Your Fire.

On the process of writing a book….

The process of writing the book was very different than I expected. I went back and forth on whether I wanted to self-publish or traditionally publish. So I interviewed women that had done both—two women that self-published and two that traditionally published. 

I wanted to write my book for two reasons. One, to simply inspire and to let people see that they could actually create movements. The second is I want to establish myself. I worked for 16 years at a large organization and created a lot of best practices while I was there. However, people still coupled those ideas, and the execution of those ideas, with the organization, when they were mine. So I wanted to really exhibit what I knew and establish myself as a thought leader that could stand on her own two feet outside of my organization. 

When I decided to self-publish, it was a priority to work with as many women as possible. So my entire team was women—with the exception of one, my book coach, Scott. But he was locally based. So I was still contributing to my local economy. Everyone from the cover designer to the editor to the person that helped me write, some of it were women. It was a magical experience. 

The book took longer than I thought it would. Everyone said that it would take one to two years from idea to being published, but I thought that because I was self-publishing that it would happen faster. I work really quickly, but what I did not fully account for was just life. I had a concussion during the process. I started graduate school. I switched jobs. Thankfully, everyone on the team was really helpful in telling me that I could do it or in helping me get things done when I didn't have the energy or the bandwidth. 

It’s really important that you build a team that will help you through the process. Even if you're self-publishing, invest in that team, because they will become your family and they will make or break the project. For example, I did not want to make the last round of edits to adjust the font size. It would delay my project for two more weeks, as well as cost a substantial amount of money. And someone on my team was like, "Suck it up, buttercup. Spend the money and you will be happier with the product at the end." They were absolutely right. 

A book is a huge investment of time and money. You don’t want to waste either of those things. I would encourage authors to think about their book as part of a three-legged stool while writing. Each leg of the stool: 1) brand, 2) lead magnet, 3) brand mission should help you accomplish both your personal and professional goals. I did this throughout the book writing process and it led to new and bold ideas. 

On the biggest challenge and the greatest joy in writing this book… 

The biggest challenge was really opening up. I cried while writing the acknowledgments. The first time I wrote them, they just weren't enough. My team pushed me to dig deeper while writing. I’m always an open book while blogging but when I began writing my book I found that my default was set to safe. It took a while to rewrite them. And now I cry every time I read them because they capture the spirit of my soul. 

Another challenge I had to overcome was questioning why was I the person to tell this story—and in a book. We see people with books as authorities. But sometimes you might not even stop to think that you are an expert. For so long, I was watching other people implement my ideas and say that they were their own that I forgot that power in me. I forgot that I am the expert. So that is the greatest joy: These are my thoughts. These are my ideas. It's a book that was born from my head and my heart. And I can't wait to hear people's thoughts as they read it. 

On the message she hopes to convey to readers…

You do not need a pedigree to start a movement. You do not need a pedigree to become a lobbyist. You do not need to come from money to achieve your dreams. Anyone can do these things. Hopefully, by introducing them to changemakers who have done the work and then me explaining how to use the Firestarter Formula, people will begin to say "Yes, I can do it." And they'll raise their hand and say, "If not me, then who?" 

On the biggest takeaway…

That they actually put the ideas of the book into practice. That they're not afraid to fail forward and fast. I hope they have the faith every day to believe that is something that is achievable and the fortitude to push through, to get it done. And lastly, leaders turn moments into movements. 

On advice for new authors…

Use your Spidey senses. Trust your gut. Your instinct will lead you along the way. I like to do everything with good intentions, a good heart and good work ethic. And putting out that vibe and those sentiments into the universe made them come true. 

People that don't respond to your email in a timely manner, as you would? They are not your people. If you meet someone face to face and you don't feel them? They are not your people. 

I did originally work with someone that did not share my same core values. We did not have the same spirit and many times I felt they were dishonest. And so I had to end that relationship. It set me back a good three months. But it was the right thing to do. Don’t be afraid to move on when that happens as it is more important to stay true to your project and its mission. 

---

The below passage is an exclusive excerpt from Terri Broussard Williams’ new book, Find Your Fire, available now.

The Activist: Angie Provost ‘We belong to the land here’

A Firestarter’s Beginnings

Angie Provost's movement is one that hits close to home for me. Really close: Angie and I are cousins, twice removed on my mother’s side. Like me, Angie was born in Louisiana. But her path took her to Texas sooner than mine did. She moved from Lafayette to Houston with her family when she was 3. As young, single twenty-somethings, we always told Angie that she would grow old in Louisiana. We knew she was destined to marry a Louisiana man.

While she grew up in a big city, it never felt like a fit for her. Angie always considered the Bayou State to be home. "We belong to the land here," she says.

She spent summers there on her grandfather's farm. And she returned to Louisiana when she became engaged to her now-husband, June Provost. June's family has a long history of sugar cane farming, just as hers did. But her grandparents were forced out of farming around the civil rights movement era of the mid-20th century.

"When I met June, I found it so fascinating that his family was still upholding that legacy," Angie says. "I became really involved in studying what he was doing."

The more she learned, the more she felt drawn toward becoming an entrepreneur and being connected to the land, just as June was. She even created her own farm.

Finding Her Fire

But even as Angie and June worked to uphold their families' legacy in agriculture, others were working just as hard to tear it down.

"We really started experiencing some harsh reprisals and harassment," Angie says. They also had to fight back against institutions. They filed a lawsuit alleging unfair treatment by their bank and another suit against a prominent local mill for breach of contract.

All of this took a heavy toll on them. June and Angie's home was foreclosed on in September 2018. Angie knew that they were hardly first farmers of color to go through an ordeal like this. Such treatment had driven her grandparents and many others from their land.

"You love Louisiana, you love the small town, you love the people in it," she says. "But there's very little opportunity and equitable relief if you are a person of color trying to advance your portfolio or your livelihood."

Amid everything going on, the Provosts were approached with an opportunity that they knew could do good but that was still pretty daunting to consider. A writer who had found out about them through Farm Aid, Center for Community Change and the Economic Hardship Reporting Project asked them to tell their story for an article in The Guardian, a British daily newspaper with a strong international readership.

"We were afraid to speak up and say what was going on with us," Angie says. They felt victimized, violated, and vulnerable, and that was hard to talk about. But they trusted the writer, Debbie Weingarten, and decided to move forward.

The extensive story in The Guardian in October 2018 details the Provosts' long nightmare: Vandalized equipment. Surveillance. Dead cats left on a tractor. This will all sound familiar to fans of the TV show "Queen Sugar," which is about a sugarcane farming family. (It's based on a novel by Natalie Baszile, who has become a friend of the Provost family.) But the mistreatment of the Provosts has actually been worse than what was portrayed on the show, Angie says.

After the article appeared, they were nervous. "We didn't know what the response would be," Angie says. But while there have been ups and downs, the article has led to many blessings for them.

"There are people out there that there are progressive voices,"' Angie says. "There are those who support change and know that change is for the better for everyone."

After the article, she and June became more active with groups such as National Family Farm Coalition, National Black Growers Council, and Farm Aid. And they created Provost Farm LLC, with the two of them as co-owners.

"The mission of that business is to preserve and advocate for the legacy of African-American sugarcane farmers and black farmers in general," Angie says. "We want people to be aware that, as African Americans, we own less than 1% of rural land in the U.S. It is steadily declining; it's been declining since Reconstruction."

Angie draws on deep knowledge of history to put their movement into a larger context. They want to raise awareness of the links that black rural land ownership has to other issues, including criminal justice reform, food equity, voter suppression, and redlining.

As they've grown their moment, they've had more opportunities to share their story. The Provosts were even featured in The 1619 Project, a major initiative by The New York Times to explore the history and consequences of slavery.

“Participating in The 1619 Project was an honor,” Angie says. “June and I believe our voice to be echoes of our ancestors — as if they spoke through us. Their triumphs and defeats, but most of all their strength. I think what (journalist) Nikole Hannah-Jones has accomplished with The

New York Times is equivalent to the tales my grandmother told me as a young adult about our family history: the tales that pull you in, paint a picture, and change your life.”

Besides fighting for their own livelihood, Angie and June are using their visibility to bring together other black and indigenous farmers in Louisiana and strengthen their sense of community. They're heartened by the other farmers who are speaking up, too — "the sugarcane farmers of the past who want platforms but have lost them."

Spreading Her Spark

Angie knows that she and June are taking on a lot, but that's because they know we're at a critical juncture. "We're in a time where we could either go backward or we could move forward," Angie says.

One way the Provosts are moving forward is by training with the Propeller accelerator program. This a New Orleans-based nonprofit supports entrepreneurs who are taking on social and environmental disparities. Propeller found out about the Provosts from The Guardian article and reached out to them to participate. Their lead mentor is Richard McCarthy, creator of Crescent City Farmers Market and former director of Slow Food USA.

Angie and June see something that others have ignored: a need to tell the story of black farmers in Louisiana in the form of a museum. Propeller is helping Angie and June with plans for a nonprofit that would include a museum or memorial to black farmers. The biggest challenge is securing funding. Angie also envisions an educational center where schoolchildren and others could come and learn more about farming. That’s the kind of field trip that I wish I could have taken as a young child. My father’s family is from the area Angie and June call home, yet I have never walked the fields that June so often mentions.

"We need to start educating more about rural life and the benefits of maintaining that rural life," she says. That connection with our rural history is vital.

"If you strip someone of their legacy and their history, if you don't educate a community on how that township or area was developed, you're leaving an entire group of people in an insecure position," Angie says. "And that community becomes vulnerable to oppressive tactics."

She knows that there are people who will say "I didn't own slaves" or "I wasn't a slave" and question why we still need to talk about all of this.

"I believe that not talking about your past is a form of insecurity," Angie says. For our future, we must learn from the past and make a better way.

Another way to build a better future is changing laws and policies that hamper farmers of color, Angie says. For example, right now there are too many roadblocks to accessing USDA programs.

"I think these are our right to be a part of," as families who have owned farms for generations, she says. After all, it was people like their ancestors who "taught Europeans how to farm these tropical crops," she points out.

She'd also like to see more actions by groups like the Urban League and NAACP. "Within our own organizations, we're missing that rural link," she says.

You can help Angie work for change. "Especially if you live in a rural community, you can you can write to your USDA county committeeman or to your city councilperson," she says. "Ask them what are they doing about farm equity and land loss prevention for people of color." If you can donate money, Angie recommends Farm Aid, which "does a lot for helping the working-class farmer," as well as the National Black Growers Council. You can find a list of other organizations to get involved in at www.provostfarmllc.com.

If you are an African American Millennial or Gen Zer who has rural roots but is living in a big city right now, you could have a vital role to play in Angie's movement. "If your parents own land, if your grandparents own land, make sure that it stays within the family — that you uphold that property," she says. Remember, too, that farming can be a lucrative business. "The reason why it's so difficult for us is because there are so few of us out there." More African Americans becoming active in agriculture equals more strength in numbers.

Although the retaliation and harassment continue, Angie and June are committed to their work because they know they're making a difference.

"I don't want to give the impression that Louisiana is the really despicable state that's not worth living in," she says. It's just that "A lot of us have moved away and the resources aren't here. Let's bring that back. Let's educate people. Let's reform. Because it's a beautiful place. It's a magical place."

The resolve she shows is in her DNA. "That comes from my grandmother's side of the family," Angie says. "They are some pretty feisty women. We come from a very strong stock of African and Native American heritage. We have a pretty long history, and one of the things that my grandmother, my great-aunt, my great-grandmother have always instilled in us is pride for our legacy and history."

She knows the stories of the women before her, the difficulties they faced, and how they overcame them. She was taught not to be ashamed of facing difficulties but rather to "always move forward and make a way," Angie says. "Those are the things that they instilled in us: a really strong value of family and knowing your past to inform your future."

Ignite Your Own Fire

What can you take away from Angie's story to catalyze your own movement?

Know where you come from Angie and I both find inspiration in our family history. If you don't know the stories of the people who came before you, now is a great time to ask parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to share their recollections with you. Interview them about how they grew up and the changes they’ve seen. Don’t forget to record those conversations: You’ll be forever grateful for that oral history. Whatever you learn from them will shed light on who you are and your unique gifts as a #Firestarter.

Understand your movement's past Along the same lines, educate yourself about the history of your movement. Part of what sustains Angie is knowing that she's part of something bigger. And, no matter what your movement is, so are you. What have others accomplished before you? How can you build on what they've done and honor their legacy?

There's strength in your story Telling her story in the media has changed Angie's life and advanced her movement. This can feel like a big step, but Angie urges you not to shy away from it if the opportunity arises. "Everyone who tells their story should live in their truth," she says. "Give a real representation to whatever you are trying to change, whatever you are trying to maintain."

Before you get in front of the mic there are a couple of things Angie wants you to consider: Just make sure the media outlet or any other source you work with is trustworthy and makes you feel comfortable. You also need a community of support around you during what can feel like a vulnerable time.

If you're having trouble mustering the courage to do an interview or share your story in another way (like writing a blog post), remember that you'll be helping others by doing so.

"When you are a truth teller, when you are a peace speaker, you will find that there are so many people out there that have been waiting to hear your voice," Angie says. "Every single one of us has something to tell. That's why we're here on Earth as human beings. We're here to share our experience and empathize with one another."

Find Your Fire

by Terri Broussard Williams

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Book cover art by Jen Pace Duran.

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“Passion Isn’t Enough” and More Real-Talk From Our Beauty Summit Small Business Roundtable

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Before COVID-19 hit, the beauty industry was valued at $532 billion and on a rapid upward trajectory. Now, however, in the midst of a global health crisis, experts predict that global beauty-industry revenues could fall by as much as 20 to 30% in 2020. But despite these discouraging stats, the beauty industry is resilient. During the 2008 financial crisis, spending in the industry only fell slightly and fully bounced back within two years.  

To gain insight into the current state of small business, specifically within the beauty industry, and to find out what the future holds for the category post-COVID-19, we partnered with Mastercard as the presenting sponsor to bring together four powerhouse founders who are at the helm of next-generation brands and disrupting beauty and wellness verticals at our recent Digital Beauty & Self-Care Summit on Saturday, July 25th. Mastercard recently surveyed the small business community with an eye toward championing diversity and learned that 41% of respondents started their business to set a positive example for other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ginger Siegel, the North America Small Business Lead at Mastercard, led a conversation with Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen,Tai Beauchamp, co-founder and CBO of Brown Girl Jane, Rochelle Graham-Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Alikay Naturals Africa Miranda, author, host, and founder of Beauty by Africa Miranda, to dive into the topic. Scroll on for the most memorable real-talk moments from the conversation, and prepare to write these down because you’re going to want to add them to your vision board, stat.

On disrupting an outdated industry…

“A cosmetic product is supposed to make you feel good and look good.” - Shontay Lundy 

“There is a myth that Black people don’t need sunscreen and we’re here to bust that myth.” - Shontay Lundy 

On finding whitespace in a market…

“Pivoting is never easy, but oftentimes it’s about recognizing a void in the market and an opportunity to have an impact.” - Tai Beauchamp

On finding your purpose…

“Passion is not enough. Passion is necessary. Passion helps fuel the energy that you need to go at times when you don’t have the resources, capacity, or bandwidth. However, what should inspire you is finding your purpose and being clear about your intention.” - Tai Beauchamp

“The same way that a business has a manifesto and a mission statement, you should have your own personal mission statement, you should have your own personal manifesto, and then align that as you’re looking for opportunities in the market to build.” - Tai Beauchamp

On building a community…

“If you remain authentic with your audience and take them along on the journey with you, I believe that it builds loyalty that cannot be broken.”  - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“I’ve shared my wins, I’ve shared my pitfalls. We’ve cried together, we’ve celebrated together. It’s a “we.” It really is a community.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“If you are a business owner or a brand owner, you have to figure out if you want the responsibility of a community because you owe them more. You have more of a social responsibility to them and you have more of a responsibility to make sure that the actions that your brand is taking are not just a reflection of your own beliefs but also the beliefs of the community as well.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On finding whitespace in the market… 

“Create something with your story and your approach. That does not exist. There will always be a space for that if you stay true to that.” - Africa Miranda 

On learning along the way…

“Respecting the process is a big part of the entrepreneurial journey. If you don’t respect the process, then being an entrepreneur may not be for you.” - Shontay Lundy 

On breaking into a controversial category…

“Being a Black-owned business focused on centering Black and Brown women, there are so many stigmas that exist within our community around CBD and a lack of knowledge and education.” - Tai Beauchamp 

“A part of our business model is that a portion of all our proceeds goes to support nonprofit and for-purpose organizations that center women of color around their mental health and wellness and the over-criminalization of Black and Brown people who have been incarcerated because of cannabis and marijuana.” - Tai Beauchamp  

On running a business… 

“There’s a big difference between starting a business and running a business.” - Africa Miranda 

On raising money for your business from your network...

“Utilize your network. There may be someone in your circle of family and friends who has been watching your journey and may be very willing to give you a small loan or a small gift to help you get started.” - Africa Miranda 

“We think that we need $10,000 or $100,000 to get started, but sometimes $1,000 or $500 can be the difference between an idea and actually starting a business. Be open to nontraditional sources of support.” - Africa Miranda 

On just going for it…

“I didn’t overthink the process and I didn't focus on my launch needing to go the perfect or traditional route, I just went for it.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On running a self-funded business…

“We decided that, instead of focusing on what we couldn’t have, let’s focus on what we were making and just make sure that we manage our business finances just as strictly as we do our personal finances.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“For every dollar that we spend, we have an ROI.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“Every dollar I spend, I need it back.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“If anyone is considering starting a business and self-funding, understanding your cash flow management is something that is extremely important. As early as you possibly can, hire an accountant or a CFO.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On prioritizing e-commerce and DTC channels…

“A mistake that a lot of product-owned businesses make is they focus more on the retail channels and then they neglect their e-commerce. Your e-commerce is your direct connection to your people—to your customers and to your tribe—and you have to make sure that you’re nurturing that because retail can disappear at any time.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On their Priceless money tip for small business owners…

“The first hire is a bookkeeper, accountant, or CFO.” - Tai Beauchamp  

“Know what you’re spending and be very intentional about it even as you’re building a business.” - Tai Beauchamp 

“You should be very dangerous in every department, so know a little bit about a lot of things.” - Shontay Lundy 

“Fire yourself from every position other than CEO. Once you get your company to the point that you’re able to, it’s really important to take a step back and delegate to other people on your team.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“As CEO you need to focus on money-making or brand-building and driving activities and not answering an email or filling out a form.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“Prioritize. If you know you don’t have a large pot to pull from, then really look at where your dollars can go the furthest.” - Africa Miranda 

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How This Cool Eyewear Brand Won Over Beyoncé—and Became an Instant Celeb Favorite

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do, but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kick-start the process, and ease some of those first-time founder nerves, we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their stories in our series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day-in-the-life feature. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty details of launching a business, from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much founders pay themselves—we’re not holding back.

Photo: Courtesy of Coco and Breezy Dotson

The lightbulb moment for the eyewear brand Coco and Breezy came during the co-founders’ formative years, well before they had the funds to turn the concept into a company. “We originally found our love for eyewear from the personal experience of being bullied as kids,” Corianna and Brianna Dotson, the co-founders (and identical twin sisters) behind the brand, told Create & Cultivate. “We would wear glasses to avoid eye contact with people.” But Corianna and Brianna will undoubtedly have the last laugh.

The entrepreneurs launched Coco and Breezy in 2009 at 19 years old with just $1,000 to their names. Since then, they've grown the brand into a coveted eyewear company with celebrity fans ranging from Beyoncé and Ciara to Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. This month, Los Angeles locals can shop the brand’s sought-after frames at Create & Cultivate’s Small Biz Pop-Up. Angelenos can visit the IRL pop-up at Platform for a contactless window shopping experience, thanks to Square, or place an order for contactless pick-up or delivery through Postmates.

Scroll on to learn more about the celebrity-beloved brand Coco and Breezy, including how Corianna and Brianna Dotson learned how to “be comfortable being uncomfortable” during those early founding years.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: Take us back to the beginning—What was the lightbulb moment for your business?

CORIANNA DOTSON: We originally found our love for eyewear from the personal experience of being bullied as kids. We would wear glasses to avoid eye contact with people. It started off super scrappy with DIY glasses; we were taking safety goggles and embellishing them with studs and spikes. When we moved to New York with less than $1,000 at 19, we knew we had something. Once we landed in N.Y. from Minnesota, we had people from Nicki Minaj and Ciara to Kelly Osbourne wearing our glasses within the first three months of us arriving in N.Y. As hot as our DIY frames were, it was as fast as it started to die down. 

BRIANNA DOTSON: We then learned how to vertically integrated and how to create original designs from start to finish. Our co-founder, Duane Baker, is an architect and had experience in sourcing and manufacturing. Once we added optical to our collection, that was a lightbulb moment that we started to know our product-market fit and we were creating something that was very scalable. 

Did you self-fund the company, and if so, how did you bootstrap it? If not, what financial path did you take to fund the business? 

BD: We have been self-funded from the beginning until now. 

Did you work full-time at another job while building your business or did you just dive straight into it?

CB: We dove straight in. We started working when we were 15 years old and had three part-time jobs each by the time we were 17 so we always had the hustle mentality. By the time we were 19, we quit those jobs and moved to N.Y. to start our business and have not worked for anyone else. We were very frugal in the beginning, lol.

BD:  But we put all of our time into our business and sacrificed a lot of our social life since we were building our business and didn’t have any comfort. We did not have the privilege of asking our family for money if things didn’t work. That was our inspiration to make it work and be comfortable being uncomfortable. 

How big is your team now and what has the hiring process been like? 

BD: Our team is still pretty small—we have about six main people. We also work with a lot of amazing freelance talent. 

Can you share the biggest learning curve or challenge since starting your business and why? 

CD: In the beginning, we were so young and unaware of scaling. We had a challenge in the beginning when we were just creating product but we weren’t necessarily creating products with the idea of understanding our product-market fit, our true customer, or how we were going to scale. Now that we know all of that information, we have seen a lot of growth.  

Do you have a business coach or mentor? How has this person helped and would you recommend one to others? 

CD: We have had some awesome mentors and just amazing people around us. One particular woman is Sharifa Murdock who is such a powerful woman! She saw something in us in the beginning and gave us opportunities but yet was always hard on us and gave us her honest opinion. 

BD: When you have a mentor or business coach, always know that no question is a dumb question. 

What is your number one piece of financial advice for any new business owner and why? 

CD: From a bootstrap perspective, find ways to be creative and scrappy. 

If you could go back to the beginning with the knowledge you have now, what advice would you give yourself and why? 

BD: To be honest, I wouldn’t go back because the way we learned everything was through trial and error. We are so grateful for all of the challenges we went through as they made us the founders we are today.

To discover, support, and shop all of the brands featured at the Create & Cultivate Small Biz Pop-Up, head to our C&C Small Biz Pop-Up hub.

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How to Translate Your Résumé Into a Great LinkedIn Profile

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

LinkedIn is an amazing tool to keep up with your network, highlight your accomplishments, and search for the job of your dreams, but figuring out how to optimize the platform can be tricky. If you’re struggling with how to create a great LinkedIn profile, keep in mind that your LinkedIn profile should look a lot like your résumé.

Think about your LinkedIn profile as if it is your résumé, but with a little more personality and flair. LinkedIn should always remain professional; however, it allows you to give a little more insight as to who you are as a person. Here’s how to translate your résumé into a great LinkedIn profile:

Make your headline align with the headline of your résumé.

By default, LinkedIn will make your headline whatever your current job title is, but your headline can be a lot more interesting than that! You can manually go in and change your LinkedIn headline.

By updating your headline, you’ll gain two major benefits:

1) Your headline will be more interesting and will be more likely to grab someone’s attention.

2) Integrating keywords into your headline makes you more searchable and will increase your chances of coming up on related keyword searches. (There are recruiters who spend the entirety of their days scouring LinkedIn for potential candidates.) You want your headline to grab someone’s attention and use keywords and phrases so that you come up on keyword searches.

Here’s a great example of a headlining statement:

“Accomplished IT professional offering 20+ years of progressive leadership in technical assistance and expertise in client-facing communication”

This statement uses key phrases such as “leadership,” “technical assistance,” and “client-facing communication” while highlighting this person’s extensive experience (20+ years). The statement is much more effective than simply using the job title “IT Help Desk Manager”.

Add skills to help attract recruiters.

This is an easy way to optimize your profile and improve your search engine optimization (SEO). Add skills to the skills section of your résumé. Figure out what kind of jobs you want to attract and include related search terms.

An easy way to figure out what terms to include on your profile is to look at a job description posted on LinkedIn. Often LinkedIn will show you the keywords that they are looking for and will tell you what terms you have and have not included throughout your profile.

Use these as a guide to figure out what skills to add in the skills section. This will vastly improve your LinkedIn visibility and will help you attract attention from recruiters and hiring managers.

Make sure that your job history and job descriptions align with your résumé.

When you’re working on your LinkedIn profile, it is essential to make sure that your profile aligns with your résumé and shows the same career path. It can differ slightly since it is important to cater to your résumé to each specific job; however, someone should be able to look at your résumé and see essentially the same career trajectory on your LinkedIn profile. Consistency across channels is key, and inconsistency can cause skepticism from recruiters or potential employers.

Creating a cohesive personal brand is extremely important for developing your career, and using consistent branding across channels helps build your credibility. Think about it this way: If you search for a person or business and see multiple platforms and channels come up with the same information and visuals, you can assume that this person has put in the time to create a consistent branding strategy. If you see different visuals, as well as inconsistent verbiage and job history across platforms, it’s harder to believe that the person is professional and trustworthy.

It’s important to present uniform content across LinkedIn and your résumé. The more channels and social platforms you utilize, the more reputable and trustworthy your brand becomes. If someone is unable to find a source of your work, including examples, contact information, and recognition, they’re unlikely to trust you as a professional. If you can’t establish trust among recruiters and/or hiring managers, you won’t be able to land a job.

Ask for a recommendation.

Referrals, recommendations, and testimonials are a huge part of building online trust and maximizing your online footprint. When a trusted friend tells you about a business, you transfer that trust to the company. Similarly, when a trusted industry professional recommends a person, you transfer that trust onto the person to whom they are referring. LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to highlight your expertise and leverage your connections.

If you’re stumped on how to reach out to someone about writing you a LinkedIn recommendation, try phrasing it like this:

“Hi X,

I hope this note finds you well. I’m working on building my online footprint and I’m wondering if you would be willing to share some feedback on your experience working with me? If so, I’d really appreciate it if you could write me a short LinkedIn recommendation.

Thanks, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to return the favor.

Best,

[Your Name]”

Update your photos.

Having a great LinkedIn profile photo is essential—members who include a profile photo receive 21x more profile views and up to 36x more messages. However, many people don’t realize that including a background photo is an important element of a great LinkedIn profile as well. One of the amazing qualities about LinkedIn is that it lets you put a face to a name, which subconsciously establishes an emotional connection. You’re much more likely to remember someone who you’ve seen a picture of then simply remembering their name out of a stack of résumés. Including a background photo provides further insight as to who you are and what your personality is like. This helps strengthen that connection with the reader.

Your cover photo or background photo gives you the opportunity to highlight your personality and/or your field of work. If you’re feeling stuck on what kind of photo to use, try going with one of these two options: Pick a photo related to your career (my background photo is a photo I took of a keyboard). If you want to show more personality, pick a photo that you connect with. If you like hiking or camping in a certain place, pick a landscape image of that area. If you’re from a specific city that adds to your identity, pick a cityscape. If you do pick a photo without an obvious correlation, be sure to reference it somewhere in your summary.

For example, if you picked a landscape of a hiking location you love, you could say something along the lines of “when I’m not working, you’ll often find me outside either hiking or camping…”

Change your LinkedIn profile URL.

This is one of the easiest ways to make your LinkedIn profile look more professional. When you create a LinkedIn profile, by default your profile URL will be something along the lines of https://linkedin.com/in/firstname-lastname-99765bxkjhjhy with that ugly long string of random letters and numbers at the end of the link. You can change that!

You can actually change your LinkedIn profile URL to almost anything after the linkedin.com/in/ however I recommend sticking with something along the lines of your first name and last name. If your first and last names are taken, try adding a simple number (i.e. birth year, graduation year, etc.), middle initial, or something else fairly neutral. I’ve seen people use city or state initials, which work as well.

The goal is to make your LinkedIn profile URL more simple, clean, and easy to remember. Here’s a step by step guide on how to change your LinkedIn profile URL.

A great LinkedIn profile is an essential element of your personal brand and is a very important tool to utilize when looking for a job. Updating your profile can take time; however, doing so will help you increase your visibility on the platform.

About the Author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

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This story was originally published on August 30, 2019, and has since been updated.

How This Young Founder DIY'd Her Social Media Business Straight Out of College With Zero Savings

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do, but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kick-start the process, and ease some of those first-time founder nerves, we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their story in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life. We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves, we’re not holding back. 

In honor of National Black Business Month, we're shining a spotlight on Black female founders by taking a closer look inside the successful businesses they've built from the ground up.

“I

f you want to build your own dream, you can.”

Natasha Samuel, Founder, Sol Studio

Natasha Samuel was having the usual crisis every soon-to-be college grad has and wondering “what am I going to do for the rest of my life?” But instead of applying for jobs, Samuel thought back to some sage advice from her boss—and now mentor—at the first college internship she took: “If you want to build your own dream, you can.”

From that day forward, the seed was planted and as Samuel tells me via email, started blossoming into the business idea that is now Sol Studio—a social media marketing company that helps small businesses shine.

Read on to learn how Samuel skipped the business plan to take a DIY approach to her business instead, and what she learned about money, hiring, and self-confidence along the way.

On taking the DIY approach…

I didn’t have a business plan at all. I was only thinking of ways I could figure it out off the cusp by DIY’ing my branding, bootstrapping my business set up, and going with my intuition early on. If something didn’t feel right or serve me at that time, I changed it whether it was a client I was pricing for my packages or the services I offered.

On coming up with the name…

I knew I didn’t want to use my own name, but I wanted the business to still feel personal to me. I thought of the things that made me who I am like loving the sunshine and being raised in Florida. I kept thinking of bright, cheery, and yellow when dreaming up my branding. Sol, which means sun in Spanish, seemed like the perfect way to name the bright brand I wanted to create. Sol Studio was the only name I thought of or considered and it just stuck. Like a lot of my early business decisions, I went with my gut. My biggest advice when naming a business is not forcing it, you’ll know the right fit when you come across it. 

On the set-up process…

During the winter break before my last semester of college, I bootstrapped my business to get it up and running in a month. I launched a Squarespace website, built out some basic packages and rates, created an account on Upwork for freelance work, and set up the tools I planned to use for my business. I listed my business as an LLC six months after graduating from college. 

In hindsight, I wish I would’ve separated my bank accounts and hired an accountant first thing. It may be scary to hire before you start making money, but my first tax season would've been so much smoother with some help.

On the research before launch…

The main research I did as an experienced college student (who had never considered starting a business) actually started inside Facebook Group communities. Inside these groups, I would learn from other people’s questions and see what other social media managers were doing. Not only did I make connections in those groups that would eventually become clients, but I learned from the “market research” I observed in the group. It was a great way to understand what my ideal clients wanted while also planning ahead to avoid the mistakes some entrepreneurs were facing. 

On self-funding…

I didn’t save any money ahead of time since I was still supporting myself off financial aid and was abruptly let go from my part-time job which prompted me to start Sol Studio sooner than I thought. On one side of the spectrum, I was glad I started when I did. On the other side of that spectrum, I do wish that I had at least a few months of expenses saved up so I wasn't as stressed to take on work that I didn't really enjoy just to make ends meet. I had to make a major sacrifice to move back home six months into my business. I knew I either had to get a part-time job or make other sacrifices to ensure I was building a business that was actually in line with my goals and not just a freelancing business that made ends meet.

On the biggest money mistakes…

Not separating my money earlier. Because of this, I didn't really know how much money I was making or how much money I really should be setting aside for taxes which meant that my first tax season was a low blow financially. I always tell new entrepreneurs the first thing you should do is separate your accounts and be sure that you have a tax accountant on your team who’s handling the finances of your business correctly. 

Another tip is to stick to your packages and pricing. In the first few months of my business, I was just excited to be making money from my passion. But that led me to take on work I wasn't passionate about which burnt me out. It's important that you take the time to map out what your hourly rate is to ensure that your package reflects that and stick to it. Even if you don't have a ton of experience and you were young like me, you deserve to be paid enough to support yourself, set aside for taxes, and invest back into your business.

On diving in, head first…

I drove right into building my business after my last long-term internship ended. I didn't have the time to save up or to make a business plan. In a lot of ways, I'm grateful that I didn't have to worry about leaving a job or anything that distracted me from building my business. Since I didn't really have much to lose and I was still early in my career, I knew it was worth a try which really helped me be scrappy during those first few months of the business.

I highly recommend taking the time to map out a savings plan for an emergency fund for those months where you might only be investing what you make back into your business (which is most likely going to be the first full year of business). This is why I had to make a sacrifice to move back home to lower my expenses. I knew that getting a part-time job was just going to distract my energy from building my business and I'm grateful I made that decision. But I also feel like if you're fortunate to have a nine-to-five that can fund your business then that's a great option.

I put a lot of pressure on myself early on to hustle as hard as I could to make ends meet. This led to a lot of burnout early on in my business. If I had been charging enough or had money saved up ahead of time then I could have avoided that. 

On how much she paid herself…

Early on, because I didn't separate my accounts, I literally invested whatever I didn't need for my basic needs back into my business. I definitely don't recommend doing this and now I actually do set aside enough to pay myself each month.

On hiring a team…

I have a team of four right now which I've had for about a year. The hiring process has been simpler than I thought it would be. If I couldn't imagine messaging or talking to that person on a regular basis, I knew it wasn't going to be a good fit long-term. My biggest advice for outsourcing is to start with a role that you know will have some type of result or return to your business directly. For example, I knew there's no way I would have started my podcast without investing in a Podcast manager that was going to help me support the show. That's now become such a big part of my brand which made it 100% worth that investment even though it was the biggest retainer I'd ever supported.

During the hiring process, I also realized how important it is to stay organized as a business owner on the back end and track your processes. The more you communicate with your team, the better result you're going to get. And there's going to be a lot of learning. They just can't read your mind overnight. So be patient and also practice your communication skills with them.

On hiring an accountant…

As someone who was an anxious mess just thinking about managing my finances, hiring an accountant and a bookkeeper were two of the best decisions I ever made in my business. Not only do they help me review my expenses and make sure everything was allocated properly, I'm able to be stress-free during tax season knowing that I've already saved the right amount and that everything is where it should be in my books. I use Wave for all my invoicing and for my bookkeeping and I love that it's an all-in-one tool that's easy to use for myself and for my clients. 

On the biggest learning curve…

Realizing that rest is essential. It's so easy to get excited about all the things going on in your business and then forget to fill up your own cup. Until I realized that I had adrenal fatigue, I wasn't prioritizing my rest and personal boundaries between my business. Prioritizing rest has been the biggest difference-maker to ensure that I'm pouring into my students and my clients well and not running myself to the point of burnout.

On having mentors…

The woman that inspired my business during my first internship became my mentor as I took on entrepreneurship. She was so incredibly helpful with cheering me on, answering any of my questions, and is still a resource for me to this day. 

I waited until I knew I needed a business coach to invest. I think business coaches can be hyped up in the online space. I wanted to make sure I was choosing the right person who was actually a few years ahead of where I eventually wanted to be. Simply by investing in myself, I have seen my biggest months of growth and change just by having a new pair of eyes and a new perspective in my business.

I highly recommend investing in a business coach only when you're ready financially and only when you know you found the right person who also speaks your language.

On marketing and brand awareness…

Since Instagram is what I do for my business, it's been a huge part of how I market my business. My Instagram grid and page is essentially what attracts clients to my work or entices students to invest in my courses. My Instagram account has attracted speaking engagements, help me book clients, and reach major launch goals for my digital products. I use my Instagram account along with my email marketing and podcast to build my brand and markets my audience.

One of the first additions to my team was actually a graphic designer who really helped me get more creative when it came to my Instagram content while also taking some of it off my plate—I manage so many Instagram accounts for my clients. I found that for me the biggest thing is to build a community that I serve well through educational content but also being myself and letting my personality shine. 

On the one thing she didn’t do in the setup process…

One of the tools I wish I would have been listed even sooner is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform for my clients. I was so scrappy by using a ton of different free tools for managing the onboarding and offboarding client process. But little did I know, I was wasting so much of my time juggling between different tools. Investing in a tool like Dubsado has helped me streamline my client management, while also ensuring they're getting a better experience as a Sol Studio client. I think it's really important to be smart with what you invest in early on, this is one of the first tools I should have invested in sooner.

On business advice for new entrepreneurs…

Stay in your own lane. Make sure you're not consuming too much of people that are in your own industry. It can be great to get inspired and to learn from others, but be sure that you're making business decisions that feel good to you. You can do any marketing technique, funnel idea, or products the way that feels good for your brand.

Just because it works for a big-name marketing guru, doesn't mean that you have to use it to be successful in business, too. I actually mute a lot of other social media manager and educator accounts. Not because I don't love them, but because I like to stay true to my brand voice and be sure that I'm not being influenced to do what everyone else is doing.

On her #1 piece of financial advice…

Make sure that you have emergency funds for your personal and your business expenses, too. As your business grows and scales, you want to make sure that you can support yourself and your monthly business expenses if anything ever happens.

On advice she’d give herself…

It's okay to say no. It's a lesson that I learned early on, but saying no to opportunities that didn't serve me or just didn't excite me was what opened doors to bigger clients and bigger opportunities. As an early business owner, it's so easy to want to say yes to everything that comes your way. But when you say yes to something that's not a good fit, you're not making space for a better opportunity in the future. 

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Want to Write? Here Are 5 Prompts to Help You Tell Your Story

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

Writing is a lot like gardening. When we’re willing to get our hands dirty, the blank page becomes a space to cultivate and sustain life. It’s a little plot for growing seeds that, when exposed to just the right slant of sunlight, blossom into nourishing fruit.

But as any gardener can attest, there’s an art, a cadence to growing green things: A season for uprooting, and another for tilling. Next, a time for waiting while the elements work their magic. Then, finally, the harvest. The same rhythm rings true in growing ourselves. Thankfully, unlike actual gardening, storytelling requires no green thumb. You don’t even have to identify as a writer to reap the benefits of writing—you just have to do the work.

Reflective journaling engages us with ourselves. It cultivates self-awareness, exposing what’s beneath the surface so we can uproot what doesn’t belong and tend to what does, so we can find the stories we’re living and, if needed, write better ones. The process may get messy, but isn’t that the nature of all world-changing work?

Let’s dig in with a few personal growth journal prompts.

1. Write a mission statement for your life.

Theologian Frederick Buechner said, “Vocation is where our deep gladness meets the world’s great need.” What makes your soul glad? What needs do you notice around you? Think about how the two overlap. Can you connect the two purposefully to serve your loved ones, neighborhood, or city? Use what you come up with to craft a mission statement, and use it as a filter for decision making.

2. The grass isn’t greener.

What’s the thing in your life you idealize? That milestone you look toward with anticipation that, when you achieve it, you’ll finally “arrive?” Maybe it’s a relationship or a job. Whatever it is, flip the perspective. What are the difficulties that might add to your life? Write yourself a note from the other side of the fence, the thing you think you have to reach before you can live fully. Be honest about the struggles that might accompany this milestone, and remind your retrospective self to treasure where you are now.

3. Root and fruit.

Every action is tied to a belief, like the fruit that blossoms from an unseen root beneath the ground. List a few fruits you see in your life right now—behaviors or emotions on the surface. Then, go to the source. Search for the roots beneath those emotions or actions. Draw it out if you need to. How can you uproot the beliefs causing the behaviors, and what new belief do you want to replace them with?

4. Love yourself.

Write down one area of your life you’re insecure about—the thing you hide from others for fear of being judged or misunderstood. Then, write a letter to the ones you’re worried might judge you, telling them what they’re missing out on when they zero in on your perceived flaws. For example, I’ve felt shame about my body, but it also gave birth to and sustained my son. Bring what you’ve hidden into the light of a new perspective.

5. If your life was a letter, what would it say?

Everything we do and say creates someone else’s reality. For instance, when I live under a cloud of anxiety, I steal the hope you’ve labored hard to live in. When I cringe because of the way the fabric on my dress hits my stomach, I say your body might not be good enough either. What message are you sending to other people with how you live? How can you change the story?

An original version of this article appeared on Darling Magazine written by Ashley Abramson.

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This story was originally published on June 28, 2016, and has since been updated.

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How to Meet Anyone With This 15 Step Strategy

Photo: Andrew Neel from Pexels

If you've ever wondered how to get out of someone's inbox and into their (virtual) office, then heed the advice from Gillian Zoe Segal’s book, Getting There: A Book of Mentors. Trust us.

From Rachel Zoe to Sara Blakely and even Warren Buffet are just some of the entrepreneurs Gillian features in her book who all dish their top advice, tips, and strategies for building a successful career.

Ahead, Gillian shares her 15 tips for meeting anyone you want using creative networking techniques and the best part is, you can totally do it too. Read on… 

1. Understand the lay of the land.

Most luminaries are extremely busy. They receive multiple requests every day for interviews, speaking engagements, new business opportunities, charity functions, you name it, not to mention the obligations they have with their careers, families, and personal lives. Understandably, there are simply not enough hours in the day for them to say yes to everything. And they definitely don’t.

If you are not a big name or don’t have something major to offer, accept that you will not be at the top of anyone’s priority list—no matter how important your request might seem to you.

2. Toss your ego out the window.

You will be ignored and rejected a lot, and you can’t take it personally or allow it to depress or discourage you.

3. Know that you can lead a horse to water, but the biggest hurdle is making sure the horse knows that the water is in front of its face.

You must get your request noticed by the decision-maker.

4. If you have any connection at all, use it.

Your connection doesn’t need to be a big one.

Here’s how I contacted Leslie Moonves, President, and CEO of CBS: My best friend’s husband had a friend who used to work at CBS and was willing to put me in touch with Moonves’s assistant. The assistant, who works closely with him every day, made sure he saw my request.

If you don’t have a connection (and most often I didn’t), here are some ways to get your request noticed:

5. Make yourself as human as possible.

The less human you appear, the easier it is for someone to reject you. Asking in person is the best method; that way it’s obvious you’re human. (It’s a lot easier to say no to a faceless email or tweet.) If you can figure out a way to run into your target in a not stalkerish way, try to do so—for example at a party or event.

But don’t be annoying or take up too much of your target’s time. I usually introduce myself, give a one or two-sentence pitch, and then ask whom I should contact with more details. The luminary usually gives me the name of a point person; then I contact that person ASAP.

6. If you can’t ask in person—and most times you can’t, especially now—try to connect to the person you can reach (your target’s publicist, assistant, etc.).

Always use the name of the person you are corresponding with since it makes for a more personal connection. If you don’t have that person’s name, ask for it. An email to a specific person instead of one addressed “to whom it may concern” is a bit harder for the recipient to ignore.

7. Never accept “no” from someone who can’t give you a “yes.”

My friend (Steve Cohen!) told me this early on, and it really stuck with me. The point is, don’t let a “no” from one employee deter you. If the front door is locked, try the back door; if the back door is locked, try the side door; if the side door is locked, try crawling in a window. If you can’t do that, wait a while then try the front door again. Someone might answer this time!

What does this front door/side door/window bit really mean? I am talking about ways in—avenues—like a publicist, an agent, an employee, someone who once did business with the person, a friend of a friend of a friend….

I rarely dealt with just one employee and one door. When someone ignored me repeatedly or rejected me, I switched to someone else and acted as nothing had ever happened—I never mentioned I was previously ignored or rejected. (A lot of times your target never even saw your request—an employee rejected it instead.)

8. Take responses literally.

If you don’t get a definitive “no” from someone, try again. For example, if you get an, “Unfortunately, he can’t participate in that now,” take “now” literally and follow up later.

9. Never be anything but friendly and pleasant to deal with.

No one reacts well to “attitude” from strangers. That kind of behavior will only get you ignored even more — or axed for good. (It may also earn you a bad reputation.)

If you do get what you consider to be a final rejection, lose graciously and thank the person for considering your request.

10. Never rub anyone’s nose in the fact that they’re ignoring you.

For example, don’t complain that you called five times already. If you send a follow-up email to someone that has been ignoring you, don’t forward the old email. Send a new email (or send your prior email) as it has never been sent before.

This allows your contact to save face if they do choose to respond—and lets that person respond without having to make any excuses for why they previously ignored you.

11. Keep your correspondence simple and clear.

Get to your point quickly. Remember how busy everyone is; no one has time to sift through paragraphs to figure out what your email is about.

12. Once you get a response from someone, grab hold of that person, and don’t let go.

I learned this lesson in the summer of 1993 when I worked as a real estate broker. When clients decided they wanted to rent an apartment I had just shown them, I was instructed not to let them out of my sight until they put down a deposit. Why? Simple: if I let them walk away and “get back to me tomorrow,” they might reconsider their decision. So I literally accompanied my clients to the bank while they took out cash for their deposit.

The same is true with networking. If someone responds to your request, act fast, and respond immediately. You need to get the ball rolling before they forget about you and move on to something else.

13. Take whatever you can get as soon as you can get it.

That means accepting the very first day the person is available—regardless of your schedule.

14. Get your foot in the door any way you can.

One of the most challenging Getting There subjects for me to land was the architect Frank Gehry. I sent a couple of blind requests to the email address listed on his company’s website. The good news is that I was not totally ignored; the bad news is that I was rejected both times.

A few months later I found out my friend’s father’s new girlfriend (read that relationship twice and realize any connection can be a good connection) knew Frank and was willing to pass along my request. She sent him my request twice and was totally ignored both times!

A few months later I figured I would try again (after all, emails are free, and ya never know!), so I sent yet another email to his company’s email address and a miracle happened—I got a response! I can only assume a new assistant was on duty that day.

I immediately emailed her back, got her name, and asked if I could send her some samples of my work to show Gehry. Again, strike while the iron is hot: I was away at the time so I had my cat sitter overnight the material to her.

I called the office to follow up and make sure that she got it; remember, speaking on the phone makes the connection more personal. She showed my material to Gehry, he said yes, and we set up an appointment!

But that’s not the end of the story. Gehry then proceeded to cancel on me for a full year (I was that low on his priority list). During that time I bounced between 4 of his assistants (it seemed like every time I called to follow up a new person needed to be filled in on who I was and what Gehry had agreed to), but I eventually got some time with him and he is now in Getting There!

By the way: when I finally met with Gehry he had absolutely no idea I had ever been hounding him or his office. (In fact, none of my subjects did.)

15. Persistence pays off.

If I learned one lesson from the people who I interviewed for Getting There it is that determination and resilience eventually pay off. Of all my subjects, I think that Ian Schrager sums up this sentiment best in his Getting Thereessay. He says, “In the end, there’s so little that separates people. Those who want success the most and are relentless about pursuing it are the ones who get it.”

Pursuing any goal is much easier if you are truly passionate about what you want; that’s what gives you the fuel to persevere. In my case, I really believed in the concept of my book and felt that readers would truly benefit from what my subjects could share. I also felt sure my subjects would be happy with the finished product; if I hadn’t felt that way it would have been extremely difficult to overcome all the rejection and keep approaching people over and over again.

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The original version of this article appeared on Hey Mama. This post was originally published on June 25, 2017, and has since been updated.

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4 LinkedIn Dos & Don'ts to Boost Your Profile and Grab Every Recruiters’ Attention

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

Unlike the rest of your social media accounts, which can be used to share selfies and carefully crafted photos of lattes with intricate designs against chic marble backdrops, LinkedIn might just be the most sacred social network that you have—and you shouldn’t abuse it.

There are many LinkedIn dos and don’ts, and you have to make sure that you’re not crossing the line when you’re networking or leaving out crucial information that can help recruiters find you. If you want to be taken seriously and make sure that your connection requests will be approved, make sure that you’re following some of the dos and don’t below.

DON’T #1

Don’t send LinkedIn requests out of the blue to someone you have never connected with in person or have any mutual connections with. Whoever you are requesting will immediately deny you and move on to the next request, especially if they have no context of who you are, what you do, or when you met. And you can rest assured that they will ignore your request if you don’t personalize it. 

DO #1

If you are trying to connect with someone who you haven’t met or are looking to have a meeting with, introduce yourself via a message and let them know why you want to connect. This will give you more chances of the person actually opening your message, add you as a connection, and hopefully lead to a meeting down the road.

DON’T #2 

LinkedIn is not the place to post your best selfie. An overhead selfie with your best angle won’t do you any favors on here, so make sure that you’re choosing your profile photo wisely.

DO #2

Get yourself a great photographer and invest in a headshot that will boost your credibility on LinkedIn. If you’re on the job hunt, and a recruiter sees your selfie versus someone who has invested in a good headshot, chances are you might not get that call for an interview. 

DON’T #3

Don’t send spammy messages. Yes, those include those out-of-the-blue birthday messages as well. Did you really remember that connection’s birthday, or are you just taking advantage of LinkedIn’s reminder? Be above that.

DO #3

Nurture your relationships. Don’t add people just to add to your connection count. Make sure to follow up with them, congratulate them on their recent achievements and work-related milestones, and offer ideas on how they could improve their business, if approptiate. 

Also, it’s always best to show your connections what you can offer them versus asking them what can they offer you first. Connections are solidified that way.

DON’T #4

Avoid self-serving content. This is not Facebook or Twitter, so nobody really cares what you are doing in your daily life, or what you’re eating for lunch. If you find yourself posting that on LinkedIn, you can immediately start seeing your connection count drop drastically.

DO #4

When posting updates on LinkedIn, make sure to share information that’s viable to your connections. Feel free to share content from Forbes, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, and other trustworthy news sources. Also, if you are writing your own content, that’s okay to share as well. (Psst… This is a great way to get more traffic to your site and more eyes on your content.) Pay attention to what your connections are talking about, write your own content on those topics, and set yourself as a trustworthy news source.

What are some of your LinkedIn dos and don’ts? What are your ultimate pet peeves as professionals? Sound off below!

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This story was originally published on June 1, 2016, and has since been updated.

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The Best Self-Help Books That Changed the Lives (and Businesses) of 23 Founders

In this age of information, we have everything we need to start a new business, create a website, or set up a budget right at our fingertips—Google is a powerful tool. But sometimes you need a deep dive into the topic to truly understand the scope of what’s required from every angle—that’s when we turn to books. In our new series, Turning a Page, we ask successful people to share their go-to tomes that helped transform their business. Whether you listen to them or need to physically flip the pages (and write notes or underline the text like us!), there is so much power in self-educating. Ready to turn a page in your career? These books will help take you there.

Photo by Burst from Pexels

If there’s one piece of advice we hear over and over again from entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, it’s to never stop learning. It’s important to stretch ourselves a little every day both in life and at work so we can grow, gain confidence, reach our goals, and become the most positive influence in our own lives.

That’s where self-help books come in. Many of us reach for these popular tomes to expand our minds, enhance our knowledge, and maximize our potential. So, we asked 23 founders to share the best self-help books they read that not only changed their lives but their businesses too.

And remember, personal development is a lifelong process so take your time, put in the work, and be gentle with yourself.

Arissa Agnant, Founder, CEO, Melanin in the Kitchen

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

by Dr. Joe Dispenza

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Why You Read It

As I was starting my journey into entrepreneurship, I felt so weighed down by past negative experiences, self-sabotage, low self-confidence, imposter syndrome, and more beliefs that shaped my reality. I wanted a book on how to transform my mental state to have more control and a deeper spiritual experience. Dr. Joe Dispenza’s book provided me a new light to spirituality, by bringing a neurological and scientific perspective to how I created my reality through my beliefs.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Present-day Arissa knows that about 80% of entrepreneurship is a mental game. I learned that self-confidence, self-esteem, and other beliefs about ourselves are created in childhood and carried over into adulthood. Learning my old belief systems and patterns was the first step in discarding the parts of myself I didn’t want to be anymore, so I could create new versions of myself from a more powerful mental state.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

I am constantly breaking the habit of being myself! Just as the world is currently ripping up the deepest, darkest parts of its antiquated systems for a deep cleanse, I’m always doing the same with my past. I’m looking at and discarding all the habits and personality characteristics of past versions of self I don’t resonate with anymore because they were built on old cycles of belief systems.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

Building a business exposes the deep, hidden parts of your personality and your past. What if we made a routine habit of creating new personalities and versions of ourselves so we didn’t feel stuck in a bleak past? So we could create new stories about ourselves and build businesses from that new growth mindset?  

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 Why You Read It

This was the first book I read out of college when I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. James Altucher details how owning your own business is the way towards ultimate freedom because jobs are never truly safe at any corporation with the rise of inflation, automation, outsourcing, and other prominent trends.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

I have been working my way through corporate with the underlying belief that I not only wanted to run my own business, but I also HAD to for the sake of having true freedom and stability. With this mindset, I chose my roles based on knowledge, learning, and growth potential, rather than just the ability to work my way up the ladder for money.

 Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

My favorite piece from this book is James’ philosophy that ideas have sex just like people do, and they have children. He encourages readers to become an idea machine and build their idea muscle by writing down all of their random ideas all day long, no matter how dumb they may seem. To be a successful idea machine is to marry totally separate ideas together that have never been mated before to create unique magic.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

James stresses the importance of learning to anticipate and identify trends to stay at the forefront of industries, which is a huge part of my role as both a digital marketer and business owner. I loved that he himself had worked his way in and out of large corporate businesses and realized he wasn’t fulfilled. He shares plenty of practical advice on how to hack your life for business success, like how to set life ‘themes’ instead of goals and incorporating your personal interests into your business.

Shevon Jones, Speaker, Social Worker, and Founder, Mental Wellness Collective

More Than Enough

by Elaine Welteroth

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Why You Read It

I absolutely love Elaine and was fascinated by her life, success, and work ethic. The way she transformed Teen Vogue was a sight to see so I just knew I needed to hear about that journey. And also the more I saw her on Instagram the more I wanted to know what her journey looked like and how she got to where she is today.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

I recommend More than Enough to everyone but especially women in their 20s. Her work ethic and determination made me truly see where I was lacking. I have always been determined but seeing a Black woman my age navigate in an industry that didn’t fully accept her, and she pushed through it all. I couldn’t put the book down because I really was that invested. However, it also showed me that work is not everything and that if you aren’t careful life will pass you by. Too often I get caught up in wanting to be successful that it’s okay to pause and enjoy life—the book taught me that through her journey.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “when the world tells you to shrink expand”. No longer am I dimming my light to make others feel comfortable. This quote sticks with me as a reminder that it’s okay to take up space in this world and to show people everything you have to offer. It is okay to have ideas, opinions, and to shine so brightly. I have taken those words to heart making sure that I am doing my part but also visibly doing it so others know they can do it too.  Another key nugget from the book is to always ask for what you’re worth no matter what. Have confidence in your skills and ability and know that you are valuable no matter what limitations are placed on you.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I would recommend this More than Enough because it’s filled with quotes that can easily be a mantra when you are feeling inadequate. The book highlights the journey with its ups and downs and the ability to overcome. It shows that with a plan you can do anything, but also the importance of relationships. This book really transformed how I viewed the grind and energized me. Sometimes when you’re working 9-5 and building your business success seems so out of reach. However, Elaine showed the importance of every skill, every moment, and every relationship preparing you so you’ll know when it’s your time to exit.

Jasmine Imani, Founder, Jas Imani Beauty

When Things Fall Apart

by Pema Chödrön

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Why You Read It

We are in is a global shift. It feels as if everything is falling apart in some way. Might be your business, your plans, your relationships, the structure in which you built your business on or things you have always depended on. Regardless, things are always falling apart so we must be comfortable with the dying of things as much as we are comfortable with the birth of things. If you have a business you are a creator so we must respect the full cycle of creation.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

This book is making me face the fear and even more so sit with the discomfort and have a conversation with it. To stop running from what it is but to invite it in so I can properly show it out when it does not serve me. It gives me more ease for day-to-day business. I feel less panicked about the unknown for our future.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

I look at its teachings as a practice. It is not like my other books that kind of hit the surface of our patterns. This book lets you rework your foundations. I got very uncomfortable processing a few chapters.

In chapter seven, it states "hope and fear come from a feeling of lack." I have been mentally meditating on this for months! It breaks down that we can't have hope without fear. By holding on to hope we are robbing ourselves from the present moment. So I have started practicing being more present. I, of course, thought that I was, but I honestly feel like I’m just getting to the surface of being present in my business.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

When in business, you face constant disappointment. If you can hone in on the disappointments and accept the discomfort I believe you can get to a place that even when it feels horrible you can enjoy and respect the things you create out of that suffering. I think there's a little bit of madness always working towards the goals of happiness, constantly chasing what you hope for.

That target is forever moving. I want to work more towards completion and load up for the ride knowing I have some tools for everything that will come. At this point, we should all be creating towards change in our business models. Becoming highly aware of how our businesses serve not just us but our communities, with that there must be a discovery of self first. This is going to be really uncomfortable but I hope we move in a way that we are not confused.

Alison Cayne, Founder, Haven’s Kitchen

Why You Read It

I first read the book when I got divorced. I've reread it 100 times since and applied it to my professional life as much as my personal life.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Simply knowing that there will be downs as well as ups, that there will be problems and missteps and forces beyond our control that will terrify us has helped. I don't react as much out of fear or surprise. I am more proactive and thoughtful in my responses. I'm more disciplined in my planning. All-knowing that there will still be awful days and that is just the nature of things.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

I've used the book to create some pretty basic tenets:

1. Failure is inevitable every once in a while so don't let it derail you, let it teach you how to be more prepared the next time. When things don't go our way that's the opportunity to think smart and get creative.

2. Figure out what you don't know and acknowledge it. Then find people who can help you build. Engage them. Reverse engineer. 

3. Being "mindful" means clear thinking. Not reactive, not jumpy. 

4. Create a culture that anticipates mistakes. Ask your team for feedback and create a culture of attention to pain spots rather than pretending they don't exist or hiding where they've gone wrong.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

The personal and the professional have become completely intertwined and as a leader, your ability to lead your team, build strategies, address unknowns are ALL connected to your personal development. You cannot be disciplined, clear-thinking, communicative, and empathic in business if you aren't those things in life.

Victoria Fazio, Founder, Propa Beauty

The Power of Now

by Eckhart Tolle

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Why You Read It

I read The Power of Now at a moment of my life when I felt absolute suffocation from over-thinking and struggling to let go of some personal failures that I was going through about a few years ago. I didn't buy this book, but the book has been in my house all along and I never reached for it. I must have received it as a gift or something. Nonetheless, I am so glad I stumbled upon it.

One day as I was scrolling endlessly on my phone searching for something to occupy my over-thinking mind, I switched it off and place my phone down and reached for a book. I picked up The Power of Now among other books on my bookshelf and I read it back to back within a week. And it has been my most favorite book since, for self-love and meditation in my personal and business mind space.

 How It Changed Your Life/Business 

This book has given me the tools of thinking, or as I call it 'mind management skills'. It has helped me tremendously in my interactions and communications with the people I work with every day in building Propa Beauty. It's so vital to take a breath and take note of one's thoughts, emotions, words, and judgments and this book does a great in-depth dig into the knowledge of how to dissect core emotions and the state of mind during stressful events in the everyday running of a business. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

This book has taught me to pause, lean in, and take time to listen to the storms or the joy within. I’m a chronic over-thinker, and so, The Power of Now has helped me in working on identifying personal fears and self-doubt. Preserving mental energy, I am coming to harness the power in paying attention to the vital stuff.

 Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

Your mental health is the core of your business. Managing and understanding your mind affects your attitude towards everything you create and everyone you interact with. I would recommend this book, read it or opt for an audio version, once a month during those self-love self-care days. Absolutely worth the peace of mind!

Randi B., Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, Author, Speaker, and Trainer

Becoming

by Michelle Obama

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Why You Read It

I read Becoming simply because Michelle Obama wrote it. I read it because I was intrigued; I read it the second time because I was inspired; I read it the third time because I was invigorated.

 How It Changed Your Life/Business 

When Becoming was released, I was in the process of redefining and rebranding my business. I wanted to disrupt the standard way diversity and inclusivity were handled in organizations, but I was terrified. I questioned if I was too old; if the old practices were too entrenched; and if people’s natural resistance to change would cause me to lose clients and lose me to lose my business. Becoming helped me to understand that we are and should be continually evolving. I didn’t need to avoid change; to the contrary, I needed to grasp it and run with it.  I needed to make the changes to my business.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

“There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.” — Michelle Obama.

I managed diversity and inclusivity programs the way I had been educated to manage them. I mirrored every program that I had studied in school and witnessed in business. When I would deliver services to companies I would try to blend with the majority culture. While I was training about diversity; I avoided giving attention to my own difference. I omitted sharing any information that would highlight my Blackness, my womanness –my otherness. The vital piece

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

The book, Becoming, encourages you to embrace your whole, authentic self; and to unapologetically bring your whole self into every area of your life including your business. Regardless of the business you’re in, you are the center of it; you are the differentiator; you are what makes your business unique and will make it ultimately successful.

Rachel Rodgers, CEO, Hello Seven

On Her Own Ground, The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker

by A’Telia Bundles

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Why You Read It

Madam CJ Walker is the mother of women in business, the patron saint of female entrepreneurship, and America’s first female millionaire. Yes, not the first Black woman millionaire, the first woman of any background in America. Over 100 years ago, she knew that when members of marginalized and systemically oppressed communities became wealthy, they can change the world. Born in a time when Black women were seen as mere objects for white people’s gain (let’s be honest, there are many who still see us this way), she demanded that the world sees her, know her and pay her. I couldn’t not read this book after I discovered her story. 

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Learning what Madam CJ Walker had to overcome in her life in order to become a millionaire eliminates all of my BS excuses. Madam approached success and wealth building with an “I’mma do whatever it takes” energy. Whether it was making friends or making enemies she was willing to risk her ego, relationships, and financial well-being. She trusted her instincts and believed in her vision. I carry her story with me in my business and my life.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

Madame Walker left us an inspiring legacy.  She taught us that being a millionaire is not just about stunting in your new whip with your girls. It’s also about empowering others, charitable giving, and being a politically active citizen.  I believe Madam's commitment to practicing self-care, strong boundaries, and belief in her own vision, ideas, creativity, and intelligence were the keys to her freedom, power, and wealth. There are many parallels between Madam’s story and mine, and I bet yours, too. I have gotten brilliant (and timeless) marketing ideas from reading this book, too. 

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

If you think building a business is hard now, honey—you have no idea. Madam CJ Walker built her business at a time when slavery had just been eradicated—she was born to slaves. Women of color have a legacy in Madam CJ Walker of making money and being successful entrepreneurs. We need to start with that when thinking about women making money, her life has so much to teach us.

Myrna P. Daramy, Founder of Myrna & Co.

Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People

by Vanessa Van Edwards

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Why You Read It

When I first realized that I would be incorporating educating and public speaking in my business, I started looking for books that help with connection. I’ve always been a very outgoing, and social person, but I wanted to hone in on how to build trust and engage faster and more effectively. I also have always had a fascination with human behavior so when I found this book that was science-backed and had to read it.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

This book changed the way I initiated any conversation, entered into a room, and even helped me with pitches and sales. It changed the way that I communicated and interacted with everyone.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

I make sure that before any speaking engagement, I add conversational sparks to create dopamine moments in order to warm up the audience. I make sure that I’m authentic first regardless of how nervous I might be. It allows me to be silly and maybe a little awkward which alleviates the nerves. I also always refer to actual people if I can during any public speaking engagement. The author also goes over how to hack the art of listening and establishing a true two-way interaction which is such a needed skill when it comes to leading.  

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

Although this book is geared more towards business owners who want to up-level their pubic speaking game, I feel that this book assists with communication as well which impacts people’s entire lives. 

Bianca Rush, Digital Strategist, More Than Social

See You at the Top: 25th Anniversary Edition

by Zig Ziglar

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Why You Read It

This book is a classic! It not only focuses on how to achieve and sustain success in business, but also how to improve your self-image, relationships, goals, attitude, work ethic, and desires.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

It's changed my perspective on how I approach building community and how to achieve personal success. When you have a healthy self-image and place importance on operating with honesty, integrity, faith, compassion, and loyalty, personal success in life and business will happen.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

I've implemented the mindset piece when it comes to vision and visualizing what has not yet happened. Zig Zigler emphasizes forward-thinking and the way that you personally view life (or your business) will determine what you get out of it. He provides a lot of prompts that challenge you and make you want to take action in your business, life, and relationships!

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I absolutely would recommend this book to business owners and anyone who is seeking a book on mindset, vision, and success. This book is a wealth of information that is specific, yet also general in nature, to the point that you will close this book and feel something. That feeling will have you operating in success to achieve exactly what you want. There are so many key takeaways from this book that apply in many phases of life and business, it's definitely worth the read!

Rima Minasyan, Co-founder, Patrick Ta Beauty

Why You Read It

I love reading self-improvement books, especially business-related ones. This book was a great read about building your path to success while creating a self-image of how you view yourself and how you help others perceive themselves. Helping others, and improving relationships, whether personal or business, is crucial to a successful journey. 

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

This book talked a lot about avoiding “stinkin thinkin” and taking on a positive attitude. Most times, even when you’re on the right path to reaching your goals, life will bring unexpected obstacles your way. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

This year was a significant obstacle for most business owners. While we can’t stop these things from happening, we can control our response to them. We had a launch planned right amid all the COVID madness this year, and keeping a positive mentality was a great step to a successful launch. Just by checking in with the language, I chose to use it with my team, which brought much excitement and great, positive energy, which helped us drive a fantastic launch with our Major Brows collection.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

We all get lost in our day-to-day responsibilities and don’t realize that self-image is a great part of who we are and how others perceive us. Building yourself image isn’t only about taking better care of yourself but also about taking care of others. Taking the time to help your loved ones, or your work family creates an immediate sense of satisfaction and gratitude. This book is a great read not only for business owners but for anyone who needs a reminder that being a good person is always the right way up. 

Ilana Kugel, Founder and Creative Director, Koral

Atomic Habits, An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

by James Clear

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Why You Read It

I read this book because I was listening to Rich Roll’s podcast and he was interviewing the author. I naturally became intrigued by the book title and hearing the author speak. I always set new goals for myself and this book came about at the perfect time for me.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

It helped remind me that making certain things in my life a habit is so important. I believe creating the habits we are missing in our lives, gives us more discipline. I am always challenging myself to improve parts of my life and this book was a great motivator.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

I had a list of habits that I wanted to add to my daily life and this book motivated me to actually make them happen. So often we have lists of things we want to accomplish and we let that list keep growing, but reading this book encouraged me to start the process and make these things on my list habits for myself. One of the biggest takeaways was to simplify the process in our own heads and then these actions become like second nature to us.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I would recommend this book to other people and business owners because it truly did inspire me to start making good habits and break myself out of bad ones. He helps you with practical strategies and to show you that tiny changes can lead to big results.

Sharona Harris, Founder and Creative Director, F+H Jewellery

Why You Read It

I purchased this book because I’ve always found it really easy to implement new habits, such as exercise or work routines. But find it much harder to quit bad ones, so I was looking for an understanding of how we form our habits

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Atomic Habits has changed my life because it simplifies how our brains lock into the habit reward system. Now that I understand the process and how our daily environment and planning impacts our habit-making, it is so much easier to change my behaviors.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

The best advice I have implemented has been ‘the 2-minute rule’ to stop procrastination. It simply encourages you to not spend over 2 minutes when trying to form a new habit, so that it is as easy as possible. Commit to 2 minutes each day and grow your habit-making from there. It’s great because once you start, such as studying or meditating, you generally do much more but you only need to commit to 2 mins a day, to begin with.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

The book is great for anyone, our days are made up of heaps of tiny habits, so there is always room for improvement.

Jacquelyn De Jesu, Founder, Shhhowercap

Radical Candor

by Kim Scott

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Why You Read It

It had always been referenced to me in conversation. I guess I naturally do lead that way. So, I wanted to understand where the comparison or references came from. And, if it was in fact true to my style then how to better manage the pros and cons of it to better my leadership skills. 

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

The perspective of how others may see me. I tend to be very direct. It helped me in managing my team which is comprised of people of all types.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

Its good to be direct, clear, honest, and say what you mean. But, to be a good manager in this way you must be sure that you are caring deeply. Care about their goals, motivations, interpersonal dynamics, and about the individuals on your team as people. And, make sure they know you do. 

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

If it’s not your natural style, its encouraging to be more confident and honest in your communication. If it is your natural style, you need to learn the nuances of how to do it effectively. The book helps you see the other side.

Angie Lee, Co-Founder, Soul CBD

The Worry Trick: How Your Brain Tricks You into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do About It

David A. Carbonell, PhD

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Why You Read It

A few years ago I was experiencing chronic anxiety and panic attacks as a busy entrepreneur. My anxiety was debilitating and I knew something needed to change. Passionate to heal naturally, I turned to CBD, meditation & reprogramming my thoughts. This book opened my eyes to healing my brain & taking ownership of my thoughts.

How It Changed Your Life/Business

This book helped me to not run away from or fear my anxiety. The author explains how anxiety hijacks the brain and teaches you how to break the cycle of worry. Being in the present moment has always been a challenge for me & this book taught me practical exercises to immediately calm my brain. It was eye-opening to learn that the more we resist or try to fix our anxiety, the worse it gets.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

The present moment is all we have. Stressing about the future or what “may” happen is a complete waste of time. One of the most powerful things we can do to decrease anxiety is feel the present moment. Anxiety happens when we stress about the future, so the best thing we can do is be present in our body. 

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I would definitely recommend The Worry Trick to any business owner who is dealing with immense stress or anxiety at work. Having a healthy relationship with fear & anxiety is crucial for entrepreneurship. I recommend this book to all my friends who are struggling with anxiety!

Sarah Larson Levey, Founder and CEO, Y7 Studios

Emotional Intelligence 2.0

by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves

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Why You Read It

I read this book on the suggestion of a friend back in 2016 when we are at a pivotal point at Y7. We had just made the decision to hire individual studio managers for each location and made our first three corporate hires. 

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

It completely changed the way that I interact with people and how I am managing relationships with those that I work with and in my personal life. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

The behavioral test that they include with the book is a game-changer in becoming more self-aware and shifting perspective on what success looks like internally. I take the test and read the book every year to make sure that I am always growing as a leader.  

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

It changes the way that you navigate relationships and gives you actual tools to use to enhance your emotional awareness.

Nikki Huganir and Erica Blumenthal, Co-Founders, Yes Way Rosé

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

by Priya Parker

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Why You Read It

We were discussing different types of events to support or new wine and book release and I wanted to gain the confidence to create meaningful and dynamic experiences.  I got so much more out of the book than I expected what I first opened it.  

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

I have prioritized having a clear purpose for everything from weekly meetings to a big launch party to how I spend my weekend. This keeps me and my time focused and intentional. When I read the book I was at a point where I felt like I was doing things just because I had to and guilty if I wasn't always productive. I realized I want to get more out of my time and experiences, even my downtime, and give as much as possible when hosting.  Reading this helped me to do that plus how to give it all structure.  

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

Don't be a chill host!  Be prepared. Consider all of the guests and their needs. Feel empowered to take charge and be the leader or boss of the gathering.    

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

For business owners, I think this will help think of ways to get the most out of meetings and keep your team highly engaged. For people in general, it will help you consider how to plan a memorable dinner party, wedding, weekend, life.  

Piret Aava, Founder, Body Roll Studio

Miracles Now: 108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow, and Finding Your True Purpose

by Gabrielle Bernstein

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Why You Read It

I read Bernstein's Miracles Now when I was about to make a major career change. As not only a female but an immigrant from Estonia, it was hard not to doubt myself. Miracles Now provided me with the self-help, positive techniques that I needed to propel myself forward and step out of my comfort zone. Bernstein says 'Much of our anxiety and stress comes when we’re focused on fear and disconnected from the voice of our inner guide.” She taught me to trust myself, and that trying and failing is better than not trying at all; trust that you can succeed in anything that you put your mind to.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Gabrielle Bernstein takes an extremely realistic approach to combating stress and finding peace in each day. As an entrepreneur, it is not always easy to carve time out of my day for myself to just be in the moment. In Miracles Now, Bernstein presents 108 techniques to help face everyday struggles.. from anxiety to feeling burned out and frustrated - her coping mechanisms are meant to be done 'at the moment' and have brought a great amount of ease to my life. As a female business owner, who is in the process of opening business number two, it is easy to feel a sense of overwhelming doubt, and question whether the decisions I am making will be impactful, well-perceived, etc. Miracles Now have helped me step back and enjoy the process; I am learning to be in the moment, and face challenging situations head-on. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

One of my favorite quotes from Miracles Now is as follows “You see, the way we experience the world around us is a direct reflection of the world within us. If our thoughts and energy are not supportive, then our life won’t be supported. Therefore, we must take responsibility by consciously supporting ourselves in every given moment.” This is a quote that I have applied to all aspects of my life.. from career risks to relationships... we must be our number one supporter. If we feed into the doubt in our minds, we are holding ourselves back from an endless world of opportunities. The unknown does not have to be scary, it can be really exciting and beautiful. 

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

This book is a positive reminder of how good life can be. Although we are constantly facing stressful situations, it is important to step back and remember that we are in control.

Anisa Telwar-Kaicker, Founder and CEO, Anisa International and Anisa Beauty

Mindful Work: How Meditation Is Changing Business from the Inside Out

by David Gelles

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Why You Read It

I was introduced to this book by someone we had brought into our offices, to coach our team on organizational leadership. They suggested this would be a good read for beginners looking to start learning about meditation— I haven’t put it down since.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

It gave me the facts behind the scientific impact meditation has on the brain. At the time, I was constantly very stressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out; I had no mental break or balance from work! But when I started reading this book, it gave me the logic as to why I needed to start meditation as a daily practice. It has been so impactful on my mental mood, health, and of course the energy I bring to my employees and attitude towards work. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

Daily meditation! It’s something I’ve been doing daily for the past four years.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

As I’ve mentioned, because of the positive, scientific impact meditation has on the brain; spending even just five minutes meditating daily can set the energy and mood for the entire day. I have been recommending this book to everyone and anyone and continue to do so— not just for fellow business owners!

Greta Fitz, Founder and CEO, Ascention Beauty Co

Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires

by Esther Hicks

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Why You Read It

I hit a crossroads in my life and wanted to conquer fear.

How It Changed Your Life/Business

I learned how to follow my bliss from this book and to manifest my wildest dreams. Everything I'm living today, coaching and my brand ASCENTION manifested from the teachings in this book

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

All of it, how to conquer fear, how to manifest, the power of intention, and writing things down and the power of belief in yourself, also to trust the process.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

If you're looking for your "why" or if you're too afraid to do what you love, read this book with an open mind. This book isn't for everyone and if you're open to miracles then grab it asap with a journal. My journey is living proof of it.

Belinda Frazer Smith, Founder and Creative Director, St. Rose

Light Is the New Black: A Guide to Answering Your Soul's Callings and Working Your Light

by Rebecca Campbell

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Why You Read It

Like so many amazing books I've read, it was recommended to me by a friend. I opted for the audio version to be able to squeeze in chapters in the car and at the gym but it's definitely the type of book you'd highlight almost every line and want to dog-ear each page. 

 How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Rebecca's book came into my life at the beginning of my journey. Her philosophy is "Follow what lights you up, and you'll light up the world." Starting a business from idea to launch is exhilarating but it can also be a brutal test of will. From all-nighters to cry into your bowl of cheerios mornings, there can be so many self-doubt riddled hurdles. The amount of time and energy can even almost feel selfish. Not only are you likely capable of solely talking about this one all-consuming thing with everyone but you also don't have the same time you used to spend with friends and family. What I loved about this book is that it flipped the idea of ego around for me. It shut down that voice I thought was the humble Belinda saying things like "who am I to do this?" and defined for me that is actually the ego talking. Rebecca asks instead, who are you not to do this thing you are being called to do? That nagging idea that keeps you up at night. The daydream that keeps popping into your head. Who are you to keep telling that voice, your light, your purpose, your calling ... no?

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

The idea of ego has been something that has really stuck with me. This isn't necessarily advice in the book but it's just a mantra that I have started after reading it ... as part of my morning ritual which includes meditation and smudging I always end with a little prayer to be guided with my light. Certainly in a business sense but in all realms of life. To squash fear and tune into intuition.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

Forget about how hard the daily grind can be with starting or growing a business but then add on top the anxiety-provoking state of the world by turning on the news and it can feel utterly paralyzing at times. Remembering the simple lesson to follow what lights you up so you can light up the world brings back into actionable focus all the things we have the power to do, move and change ... and it's all pretty amazing.

Allison McNamara, Founder, Mara

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

by Ben Horrowitz

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Why You Read It

 I’ve been following Ben Horowitz and his impressive Silicon Valley career for quite some time, so when he released a book about his entrepreneurial learnings–including running (and failing) a startup that ultimately was valued at over $1 billion–I knew it was bound to be an epic read.

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

Although Ben’s experience is written through a heavy tech / digital lens, his approach to how he built businesses from the ground up is informative and insightful no matter what field you’re in. A great, honest read that doesn’t glorify entrepreneurship but also doesn’t tell you how you should be running your business either –he simply lets you in on his experiences and punctuates each chapter with rap quotes from his favorite songs that are oddly all very applicable to each chapter.

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

This book really dives into how he handled extraordinary losses and how he kept cool and made crucial decisions in the darkest of hours. I haven’t necessarily implemented anything (so far) from the book, but he has some fascinating chapters on hiring and firing which I found to be particularly helpful.

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I recommend this book to everyone. It’s a great read even if you aren’t in the pits of building your own business.

Kerrigan Behrens, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Sagely Naturals

Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time

by Howard Schultz

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Why You Read It

I read the book because I've always had a great amount of respect for Howard Schultz and recently had the opportunity to speak with him. He's incredibly supportive of young entrepreneurs! 

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

It's hard for most of us to imagine, but when Howard started Starbucks, the vast majority of Americans hadn't heard of a latte. Their version of coffee was essentially Folgers! One of the things the book validated for me is that you want to offer customers something they're not necessarily used to - rather, something that creates a sense of discovery and excitement. This couldn't be more relevant to Sagely Naturals - when we launched it in 2015, only 2% of Americans had heard of CBD! At that point, we considered ourselves educators as much as product innovators since we felt our mandate was to introduce more people to the health and wellness benefits of CBD. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

One of the chapters in the book is about how "people are not a line item" and Starbucks is famous for treating its employees well. There have been times when Kaley and I couldn't afford to offer employees additional benefits but did it anyway - for example, offering health insurance may not sound like a big deal but when we began offering it to our employees, we weren't really in a financial position to be able to do so. We also have found smaller ways to show our employees how much we appreciate them while also cultivating wellness like offering massages, meditation, sound baths, and yoga in the office every month. 

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I would recommend the book to anyone who has a business - it doesn't matter if you're selling a beverage or CBD or software, understanding the value of your customer and employees is critical to growing a business that makes an impact.

Priscilla Tsai, CEO, and Founder, cocokind

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Why You Read It

I'm always looking for inspirational founder stories that dive into both the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey 

How It Changed Your Life/Business 

This book is extremely motivating and almost comforting as a founder. Phil started his business very much like the underdog, and the journey of his personal growth was very relatable. It was a good reminder that growth is necessary, but growing is hard, too. 

Advice From the Book You’ve Implemented in Life/Business

Having faith in yourself as an entrepreneur is still the most important tool you will constantly use. There were multiple points of his journey that were extremely difficult, where he could have given up. However, maintaining your determination and believing in yourself is actually a competitive advantage that will be the gift that keeps on giving. 

Why You’d Recommend This Book to Others

I love that this book talks about the very real struggles both professionally and personally of Phil's journey to building Nike. We don't always hear about the challenges, but I thought that Phil did this in a way that was real, relatable, and still extremely inspirational.

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4 Steps to Do Away With That Pesky Five-Year Plan

Photo: Neemias Seara from Pexels

As the bartender made his way over with four birthday shots in hand my friend looked at me and said, “Chels, I don’t want to turn 26.”

At first, I thought it was a bad attempt at making a joke but the look in her eyes told me she was actually being serious. I gave her the biggest hug as I tried to wash away the confused feeling in my chest. Despite having a passionate budding career under her belt, a loving man by her side, and the greatest friends behind her, she still felt that she wasn’t exactly where she “needed” to be.

As we raised our glasses in honor of the birthday girl, I found myself distracted by the elephant in the room that apparently now comes with turning a year older. Instead of celebrating it with arms wide open, society has cast a spell over us saying if we don’t have x, y, and z by the time we blow out a certain amount of candles, then we must be doing something wrong. We then proceed to beat ourselves up and never take a moment to stop and realize that possibly, we are doing everything right.

Let me ask you this, have you ever been the person who thought you could actually plan out your entire life?

Half of you are currently laughing at me while the other half know exactly what I’m talking about. If you fall into the latter category, you aren’t alone. I am completely guilty of being the college senior who sat at her desk and wrote out a five-year plan. I put my heart and soul into that color-coded timeline, so it may come as a surprise when I say that I am forever thankful that the plan on that piece of paper never became my reality. The person I loved, the city I wanted to call home, and the job I strived to land were all meant for the girl who I was then, not the woman I am now.

Here are a few steps you can take to say goodbye to the dreaded five-year plan.

1. DON'T DRAFT A TIMELINE BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE

As cliché, as it may sound, playing the comparison game, will only lead you to a dead end. Comparisons can either make you feel superior or inferior and neither of those feelings serves a useful purpose. Write your own story, learn from your own experiences, and live your life through your eyes.

2. EVALUATE YOUR GOALS

Saying goodbye to the five-year plan does not mean you should wash away your goals! Instead, use this as a chance to check in with your personal and professional goals and know that it is absolutely OK to tweak them if you see fit to do so.

3. BE NICE TO YOURSELF 

When you are your own best friend, you don’t seek out validation from others, because you realize that the only approval you need is your own.  This is your life and your journey and once you recognize the value to that then no one, not even a “plan,” can get in the way of your happiness.

4. WELCOME NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Since life doesn’t always go according to plan, being able to welcome new opportunities with open arms is key. How silly would it be to close the door on an opportunity just because it wasn’t color-coded on a piece of paper you drafted up three years ago? Don’t sell yourself short out of fear of not sticking to your five-year plan—learn to ride the wave of life with a smile on your face and motivation in your heart.

Life is going to take a different path for every single one of us, so constantly comparing your journey to someone else’s will only hinder you from making the moves that are meant for your life. Just because your best friend is engaged, your roommate landed her dream job, or your younger sister purchased a house with the white picket fence all before you did does not mean that you are screwing up. With each new day and each year that you are lucky enough to blow out another candle, know that this is your life to live and your journey is uniquely beautiful.

Keep dreaming, keep loving, and as always, just keep swimming.

Chelsea Briche runs the popular blog The Millennial Miss. A platform for young women surviving their twenties with grace and a lot of humility. The platform is Chelsea's "pledge to you, the ones who haven’t quite figured it all out yet. That we, together, will immerse ourselves in every single thing possible; explore, love a lot, love a little, and never touch the ground."

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This post was originally published on January 11, 2019, and has since been updated.

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How to Price Yourself in the Freelance Market

Photo: Christina Jones Photography

Unless you’re positive you’re going to win the Powerball (which, may the grace of good fortune be on your side), you are going to have to hustle this year. That means knowing how to price yourself in the freelance market, which is, unfortunately, as tricky as you think it is.

It’s a balancing act. Aim too high, and the client might offer the job to someone else. Price yourself too low, and you’ll end up resenting the high workload and low payout. Read on for a few tips on how to know your worth and how to navigate tricky money situations with clients. 

1. Don't suggest an hourly rate. 

Think of your work as value-based. If you are helping a brand grow its online presence, you shouldn't price yourself based on the amount of time you are going to spend on the job. You should price yourself based on the value you are going to add and your level of expertise. The better you get at something, the faster you work (usually), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be paid for your skill level. 

2. Dealing with the "we don't have a big budget," pickle. 

It might be true, it might not be, but when a client says this to you it's often a red flag that they aren't going to want to pay. It's also a way to undermine your confidence from the gate. Telling you there is no budget will make you question what you're worth—don't let it. If you have a set rate, stick to it, and if they can't pay that, then it's up to you to decide if the ends justify the means. If you think it's a relationship that will pay in the long run, that's a decision only you can make. 

3. Compare and contrast, but don't undersell yourself based on the market. 

Look into what other people are being offered for the same service, but if you think it's too low for you, don't fall to market pressure. A simple way to find your number is to divide the high-average yearly salary of someone in your position who works full time by the number of months you'll be collaborating with a client. You want to start on the high end because most of the time you will get a counter-offer.

4. Quote yourself confidently. 

Don't be afraid of that big number. Looking at it as a whole can seem intimidating, but sending a confident proposal that shows a client that you believe in your worth and your work, may instill the same confidence in them.

5. Offer your services in tiers.

Be explicit about what services you can provide for different prices. The more specific you can be about deliverables for price points, the more likely a client is to sign on. Tiers also give you wiggle room for negotiation. For example, if the client is into "tier 2" with one additional service you're offering in "tier 1," you can come back and say, "I'm willing to add in X service for X extra."  

6. Asking point-blank if there is a budget.

If you don't know where to start, you can put the initial price point on the potential client. There's really only one way to do this: directly. "How much are you willing to spend?" will send the wrong message. Asking if there is a budget, will not. 

7. There is no ax+b=c formula.

There’s no right answer to price yourself. At the end of the day, everyone has had different kinds of experience put on their résumé, has different skills, and all have worked for different rates in the industry. If you’re confident in your price, have compared your rate based on average market pricing, and have considered all of your skills, experience, and value, you’ll be able to come up with a rate that will make sense to you. If it doesn’t make sense to a potential client, oh well. Like Tinder and Bumble, you’ll eventually find a perfect match that will understand your self-worth and value.

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This story was originally published on February 28, 2019, and has since been updated.

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"Self-Care Isn't Selfish" and More Boss Quotes From Our Digital Beauty & Self-Care Summit

Photo: Create & Cultivate

On Saturday, July 25, we hosted our Digital Beauty & Self-Care Summit presented by Mastercard. Thousands of attendees from all around the world (India! Puerto Rico! South Africa!) joined us for a day of networking (our Slack channel was hot), learning new skills (search engine optimization, anyone?), and listening to thought-provoking conversations with a diverse lineup of leading industry disruptors.

We touched on everything from bootstrapping a business to developing a marketing strategy to growing a podcast. Miranda Kerr, Tyra Banks, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Michelle Pfeiffer, and more bosses taught us a thing or two about scaling a business, raising capital, and being an entrepreneur. If you missed out or if you just want to relive the highlights, scroll on because we captured the most memorable moments for you!

(Psst… If reading this is giving you serious FOMO, join Create & Cultivate Insiders to get unlimited access to all of our Digital Beauty & Self-Care Summit content, including video recordings of every panel and workshop download in C&C history.)

Morning Keynote: A Conversation With Miranda Kerr & Sacha Strebe

“

If you’re not able to give 150% then you shouldn’t even think about having your own company.”

—Miranda Kerr

Panelist:

Miranda Kerr | CEO & Founder, Kora Organics

Moderator: 

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate  

On launching a clean skincare line...

“Certified organic skincare is so much more than just clean skincare—it’s more potent, powerful, and results-driven.” 

“I don’t want to put something on my face just because it’s clean. I want to put something on my face because it’s really going to fill my skin with nutrients to be healthy and glowy and full of vitality. That’s why it’s important for me to be Certified Organic.” 

On focusing on your strengths…  

“You can’t be everything so it’s important to focus on your strengths.”

“One thing that is not my strength is finance—putting a P&L together, understanding cash flow, making projections, and re-adjusting our revenue is something I’ve had to learn.”

“Still, to this day, I haven’t taken a cent out of the company.”

On self-funding over investors…

“I want to keep it as my baby for as long as I can because I’m very specific about the way I want it to be. I didn’t want anyone else coming in to water down my ideas or make the products less potent.” 

On raising money…

“I’ve always been open to those conversations and I might need it at some point but I’ve been lucky that I haven’t yet. Hopefully, I won’t.”

“Our team understands that for us, this is more than just selling skincare. This is about helping people build their confidence—it’s a holistic perspective.”

 “I lead with my heart. When I’m in that heart space, all the answers come.” 

On being an entrepreneur...  

“It’s a full time job plus plus. It’s like raising a child. You love and care about your business just like you do your child. It requires consistent love and nurturing from you, the founder.”  

 “If you’re not able to put that in and give 150%, then you shouldn’t even think about having your own company. It takes a specific type of person who is willing to give that without expecting much in return—just giving it for the love of it.”

“It’s not easy and there are things you have to do that you don’t like doing like hiring and firing or going through each line of the P&L—it’s a lot! You can’t turn a blind eye to anything when it’s your own company.”

Small Biz, Big Dreams: Meet the Women Building the Next-Gen of Beauty & Wellness Brands, Powered by Mastercard

“There’s a big difference between starting a business and running a business.”

—Africa Miranda

Panelists: 

Shontay Lundy | Founder, Black Girl Sunscreen

Tai Beauchamp | Co-Founder & CBO, Brown Girl Jane

Rochelle Graham-Campbell | CEO & Co-Founder, Alikay Naturals

Africa Miranda | Author, Host, & Founder, Beauty by Africa Miranda

Moderator: 

Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard

On disrupting an outdated industry…

“A cosmetic product is supposed to make you feel good and look good.” - Shontay Lundy 

“There is a myth that Black people don’t need sunscreen and we’re here to bust that myth.” - Shontay Lundy 

On finding whitespace in a market…

“Pivoting is never easy, but oftentimes it’s about recognizing a void in the market and an opportunity to have an impact.” - Tai Beauchamp

On finding your purpose…

“Passion is not enough. Passion is necessary. Passion helps fuel the energy that you need to go at times when you don’t have the resources, capacity, or bandwidth. However, what should inspire you is finding your purpose and being clear about your intention.” - Tai Beauchamp

“The same way that a business has a manifesto and a mission statement,you should have your own personal mission statement, you should have your own personal manifesto, and then align that as you’re looking for opportunities in the market to build.” - Tai Beauchamp

On building a community…

“If you remain authentic with your audience and take them along on the journey with you, I believe that it builds a loyalty that cannot be broken.”  - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“I’ve shared my wins, I’ve shared my pitfalls. We’ve cried together, we’ve celebrated together. It’s a “we.” It really is a community.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“If you are a business owner or a brand owner, you have to figure out if you want the responsibility of a community because you owe them more. You have more of a social responsibility to them and you have more of a responsibility to make sure that the actions that your brand is taking are not just a reflection of your own beliefs but also the beliefs of the community as well.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On finding a whitespace in the market… 

“Create something with your story and your approach. That does not exist. There will always be a space for that if you stay true to that.” - Africa Miranda 

On learning along the way…

“Respecting the process is a big part of the entrepreneurial journey. If you don’t respect the process, then being an entrepreneur may not be for you.” - Shontay Lundy 

On breaking into a controversial category…

“Being a Black-owned business focused on centering Black and Brown women, there are so many stigmas that exist within our community around CBD and a lack of knowledge and education.” - Tai Beauchamp 

“A part of our business model is that a portion of all our proceeds go to support nonprofit and for-purpose organizations that center women of color around their mental health and wellness and the over criminalization of Black and Brown people who have been incarcerated because of cannabis and marijuana.” - Tai Beauchamp  

On running a business… 

“There’s a big difference between starting a business and running a business.” - Africa Miranda 

On raising money for your business from your network...

“Utilize your network. There may be someone in your circle of family and friends who has been watching your journey and may be very willing to give you a small loan or a small gift to help you get started.” - Africa Miranda 

“We think that we need $10,000 or $100,000 to get started, but sometimes $1,000 or $500 can be the difference between an idea and actually starting a business. Be open to nontraditional sources of support.” - Africa Miranda 

On just going for it…

“I didn’t overthink the process and I didn't focus on my launch needing to go the perfect or traditional route, I just went for it.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On running a self-funded business…

“We decided that, instead of focusing on what we couldn’t have, let’s focus on what we were making and just make sure that we manage our business finances just as strictly as we do our personal finances.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“For every dollar that we spend, we have an ROI.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“Every dollar I spend, I need it back.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“If anyone is considering starting a business and self-funding, understanding your cash flow management is something that is extremely important. As early as you possibly can, hire an accountant or a CFO.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On prioritizing e-commerce and DTC channels…

“A mistake that a lot of product-owned businesses make is they focus more on the retail channels and then they neglect their e-commerce. Your e-commerce is your direct connection to your people—to your customers and to your tribe—and you have to make sure that you’re nurturing that because retail can disappear at any time.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

On their Priceless money tip for small business owners…

“The first hire is a bookkeeper, accountant, or CFO.” - Tai Beauchamp  

“Know what you’re spending and be very intentional about it even as you’re building a business.” - Tai Beauchamp 

“You should be very dangerous in every department, so know a little bit about a lot of things.” - Shontay Lundy 

“Fire yourself from every position other than CEO. Once you get your company to the point that you’re able to, it’s really important to take a step back and delegate to other people on your team.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“As CEO you need to focus on money-making or brand-building and driving activities and not answering an email or filling out a form.” - Rochelle Graham-Campbell

“Prioritize. If you know you don’t have a large pot to pull from, then really look at where your dollars can go the furthest.” - Africa Miranda 

A Conversation With Glow-Getter Courtney Shields, Powered by TULA

“You can have it all, but you can’t have it all at once.”

—Courtney Shields

Panelist: 

Courtney Shields | Founder, CourtneyShields.com

Moderator: 

Maya Allen | Digital Beauty Editor, MarieClaire.com

On launching a beauty blog… 

“I love helping women feel more confident.” - Courtney Shields 

On cultivating inner beauty…

“Inside out, outside in.” - Courtney Shields

On the importance of getting started... 

“You can always pivot as you go, but just start.” - Courtney Shields

On forging ahead during COVID…

“You can look at 2020 two ways. One way is you can choose to complain and feel stuck and frustrated, or you can use 2020 as an opportunity for growth.” - Courtney Shields

“There’s power in our perspective.” - Maya Allen

On not paying attention to the number of followers, likes, or comments…

“If you are seeking outside validation, you’re never going to be happy.” - Courtney Shields

On seeking work-life balance… 

“You can have it all, but you can’t have it all at once.” - Courtney Shields

On prioritizing self-care…

“Go for the walk, take the bath, do whatever fills you up, otherwise you’re pouring from an empty cup.” - Courtney Shields

On standing out in a saturated space…

“You have to do what you’re passionate about.” - Courtney Shields

“Standing out in a saturated space is all about being yourself and being authentic.” - Courtney Shields

“If you start trying to emulate what everyone else is doing, you’re on an uphill battle.” - Courtney Shields

“Looking inward, figuring out what feels good to you, and then doing that full-force is so important.” - Maya Allen

On navigating negativity and naysayers…

“I’m not a jar of Nutella, I can't please everyone, no matter what I do.” - Courtney Shields

On the best advice she’s ever received…

“Don’t procrastinate. You’ve got to get it done eventually, so might as well do it now.” - Courtney Shields

On her purpose…

“Walking through hard shit and showing people that you can still do hard things with a positive attitude and come out on the other side.” - Courtney Shields

The New Disruptors: Meet the Women Shaking Up the Beauty, Fashion, & Wellness Business

“To follow your passion, sometimes you have to make really difficult decisions.”

—Babba C. Rivera

Panelists: 

Monique Rodriguez | Founder & CEO, Mielle Organics

Lauren Chan | Founder & CEO, Henning

Babba C. Rivera | Founder, ByBabba

Beatrice Dixon | CEO & Founder, The Honey Pot Company

Barbara Paldus | Founder & CEO, Codex

Moderator: 

Ashley Dunn | Host & Entertainment Journalist

On switching lanes after establishing a career…

“I worked as a registered nurse for 8 ½ years before stepping out on faith and starting something that I love and that I was truly passionate about.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“Even though I always had the burning desire to be an entrepreneur, I never thought that it was something that was attainable.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“You can’t be what you can’t see.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“My vision was not to create a hair care brand. I was looking to just talk about something that I love and am passionate about with other women who look like me.” - Monique Rodriguez 

On launching a size-inclusive fashion brand…

“I was surrounded by fashion all the time and I wanted to participate but I couldn’t because I had a bigger body than everyone else.” - Lauren Chan

“I grew sick of the disadvantage for being plus-size. I grew sick of being unequal.” - Lauren Chan

On leaving a steady paycheck…

“To follow your passion, sometimes you have to make really difficult decisions.” - Babba C. Rivera

“Not making a decision is also a decision.” - Babba C. Rivera

“I couldn’t stand to continue as an employee because of this inner voice.” - Babba C. Rivera

“I had to just do it and trust that I would figure it out.” - Babba C. Rivera

On launching a brand with confidence...

“The reason I started the company is because I had issues with my own vagina. The mother of invention is often necessity.” - Beatrice Dixon

“I always knew that Honey Pot would be a household name, as synonymous as Tampax and Kotex and Summer’s Eve and Vagisil.” - Beatrice Dixon

On scaling quickly and sustainably…

“You want to be efficient in everything that you do because, at the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re having profits in your business.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“Make sure your books are in order and make sure you understand your margins and profits.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“You have to know your numbers. You have to know what you’re bringing in and what you have to spend.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“Every challenge is an opportunity to rise higher.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“You’re going to have obstacles, you’re going to have challenges, you’re going to not know, and you’re not going to have anybody to ask those questions to, and you've just got to figure it out and do it afraid.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“No successful person has made it to the success or level that they have without making stupid mistakes—but they didn’t give it up.” - Monique Rodriguez 

On bootstrapping over seeking venture capital…

“I thought I could do it better and faster if I had no one to answer to but myself.” - Lauren Chan

“I set the prices. I set what we pay for cost of goods to insure that it is high quality.” - Lauren Chan

“I went out and proved that there is a plus-size luxury market. My average customer spends $2400 dollars with us in a few seasons. Our average order value is $750. Now I have that to back me up.” - Lauren Chan

“I was being told that you can’t make things that expensive for this market, that the customer does not exist.” - Lauren Chan

On hiring and managing a team as your grow… 

“Management skills have expiration dates. As we face new generations, we have to adapt our management skills.” - Babba C. Rivera

“Everyone is different and the only way to figure out what drives them is to have those conversations on an ongoing basis.” - Babba C. Rivera

“For each piece of negative feedback you give someone, you have to give them more positive ones.” - Babba C. Rivera

“My time as a boss is better invested in focusing on what they are doing really well and how can I create a greater space for them to do more of that.” - Babba C. Rivera 

“When people get the space to focus more on the things that they’re really good at, they tend to have more fun at work, they tend to become more loyal, they tend to stay longer, they tend to recommend their friends to come and work for you, it has so many trickle affects and it becomes more than just a job.” - Babba C. Rivera

On giving back during COVID and beyond…

“My philosophy is: To whom much is given, much is required.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“One of the key things that defines success is: How many opportunities do you create? How many people do you build up? How many people do you motivate, do you inspire?” - Monique Rodriguez 

“People first, then product.” - Monique Rodriguez 

On launching new product despite the pandemic...

“We wanted to keep fighting. We didn’t want to lay down.” - Lauren Chan

“If the independent’s don't survive, then consumers will lose many a plus-size option and they will lose mostly the options that are well-made, high-quality, ethically made, fairly sourced, sustainably minded, and what we’d be left with is the giant corporation that could stand to survive this time and i just couldn’t stomach that regression in size-inclusive fashion that we’ve been building on for a decade plus now.” - Lauren Chan

On being in the midst of planning a product launch during COVID…

“My team and myself have been hard at work during the lockdown prepping for a big launch we have coming up this fall. We are in the process of launching a clean hair care brand rooted in Latin heritage.” - Babba C. Rivera

“For me, it’s much more than a business, it’s part of a mission that I’ve been on throughout my career to create space for women, and in this particular case, really bringing up the Latin woman.” - Babba C. Rivera

“We live in a world where the Latinx community accounts for 20% of the country yet most brands are speaking to a predominantly white demographic.” - Babba C. Rivera

“Latinas spend the most on hair care products. They spend 46% more than their white counterparts, and I’m like, ‘Where are the brands that are talking to me and my friends and my family?’” - Babba C. Rivera 

“Only 0.4% —less than half a percentage—of venture funding goes to Latina founders.” - Babba C. Rivera

“Only 58 Latina women have ever raised $1 million in capital.” - Babba C. Rivera

On expanding to markets beyond the U.S.… 

“By going outside of the U.S., we can set the new standard for what natural, effective, sustainable, and ethical beauty should be.” - Barbara Paldus

On seeking the right investors for your company…

“As an investor, you can be a partner to that entrepreneur for five to seven years. It’s like a marriage and you really need to have a relationship that is like a two-way street.” - Barbara Paldus

“Make sure you really want to go the VC route and then really figure out which VCs you want to work with.” - Barbara Paldus

“See if the VC really understands the business and you because they’re going to make or break your company.” - Barbara Paldus 

Work It Out: A Conversation on Why Brands and Consumers Are Jumping on the Health, Wellness, & Fitness Boom

“If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.”

—Maryam Ajayi

Panelists:

Katie Dunlop | Founder & CEO, Love Sweat Fitness

Zehra Allibhai | Founder, The FitNest

Lora Haddock DiCarlo | Founder & CEO, Lora DiCarlo

Maryam Ajayi | Energy Healer, Entrepreneur, Writer, Activist, & Speaker

Devi Brown | Wellness Educator, Energy Healer, Author, & Founder, Karma Bliss

Remi Ishizuka | Founder, Rrayyme

Moderator: 

Faith Xue | Editorial Director, Byrdie

On cultivating a thriving community… 

“Everyone’s journey is unique. I want to help inspire and empower other women to figure out and create what healthy looks like for them because it’s very personal.” - Katie Dunlop

On overcoming feelings of self-doubt… 

“Who cares what other people think as long as I'm helping the people that I set out and have intention to help, that really gave me a sense of belonging.” - Zehra Allibhai 

On driving innovation in the sexual wellness industry… 

“I wanted to change the conversation around mastrubation.” - Lora Haddock DiCarlo

“Disruption was a part of the business plan very early on.” - Lora Haddock DiCarlo

“There are almost 250 parts in our product, whereas most products in the sex-tech space have about 20 to 30 parts.” - Lora Haddock DiCarlo

On producing products to help people feel more confident… 

“Our mission is to strive for a world where folks can feel more comfortable in their identity and their sexuality.” - Lora Haddock DiCarlo

“Confidence is what empowers the greatest of us to go out and change the world each in our own way.” - Lora Haddock DiCarlo

On changing the narrative of the wellness industry… 

“We’re in real time changing the trajectory of the wellness industry and making it one that’s inclusive for everybody, for BIPOC, for LGBTQIIA+, for people that are differently abled.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“Growth is messy and hard, but on the other side of that is fulfillment.” - Maryam Ajayi 

On navigating self-acceptance… 

“Your level of self-acceptance is what informs every other relationship you have in your entire life and what informs everything that you do in the world.” - Devi Brown

“We are the stars of our own life. The point of being here is finding yourself, remembering yourself, coming into a space of wholeness. There is nothing more important you can be doing with your life. No work is more important than the work of you.” - Devi Brown

On starting the journey to self-acceptance…

“If you find yourself not able to do a lot of self-care, investigate why. Is it because it’s uncomfortable to be in the mirror with yourself? Is it because it’s uncomfortable to touch your own self? Or to just spend time in your own body without outside stimulation or conversation?” - Devi Brown

On being consistent…

“You need to be consistent to see improvement in your fitness, your nutrition, your wellness, and it’s the same in business. You have to show up consistently and know what it is that drives you and motivates you.” - Remi Ishizuka

On championing diversity in the wellness industry…

“People of color created wellness. All of the things that we do in the wellness industry—every technique, every time you’re doing breathwork, every time you’re doing a yoga posture—it was all created by people of color in different cultures, globally.” - Devi Brown

“It’s really dangerous when we’re learning to democratize and decolonize our wellness practices from other white individuals—that only upholds white supremacy.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“For any wellness leader, influencer, company, step one is hiring black indigenous women of color to help them unpack the systems of oppression that they’ve learned to uphold.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“Start to decolonize your individual wellness practices and how you spend your dollars.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“White people can act in solidarity by supporting BIPOC businesses in wellness.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“If we’re going to champion diversity and inclusivity, we also need to understand that intersectionality involves diverse passions, preferences, anatomies,  regardless of gender, identity, expression, sexuality, ethnicity, age, relationship status, disability or even socioeconomic status.” - Lora Haddock DiCarlo

On working with brands…

“I probably end up working with10% of the brands that reach out.” - Katie Dunlop

“It’s really important that the product is something that I personally already use and love.” - Katie Dunlop

“Following your intuition is so important. If something feels off, it’s probably off for a reason.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“Make sure you know what you stand for and why you stand for it. Integrity goes a really long way. You may have to say no to a lot of money and a lot of deals, but in the long run, you’re going to be ahead of the game if you’re a person of integrity who’s putting yourself and your community first.” - Maryam Ajayi 

“Once I accept a brand deal, I put as much value into it as possible so that my audience is getting the same amount of value from a branded post as an organic post.” - Remi Ishizuka

Mid-Morning Keynote: A Conversation With Tyra Banks & Jaclyn Johnson

“Different is better than better.”

—Tyra Banks

Panelist:

Tyra Banks | Entrepreneur & Supermodel

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO & Founder, Create & Cultivate 

 On being an entrepreneur… 

“I’m such an entrepreneur at heart.” 

“For me, if it doesn’t hurt, it’s just not worth it.”

“I’m a business person. I want to own something. I get so much pleasure being in a meeting with my team. I love the process.”

On finding whitespace in a crowded market…

“Different is better than better.”

On doing the research and putting in the work…

“When you are trying to get that job, do as much research as you can about that company.” 

On being the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue… 

“I went from being a well-known model in the fashion industry to a household name walking down the street.”

“I did know that it was bigger than me. I did understand that being a Black woman on that magazine cover was impactful.”

“I think that it did some things for the industry but a lot more for public perception of Black women's sexuality and beauty. That we can be the girl next door who just happens to be Black. That we are American.” 

On knowing the difference between hate and healthy critique… 

“Hurt people hurt people.”

“Is this hate, or is this healthy critique? You have to learn the difference.”

On managing finances…

“Cash flow is everything.”

“It is so important that, if you are starting a business, to be as modest as you can.”

On navigating COVID-19…

“Don’t stop thinking about different things that you can do.”

“If the dream is there, you can get there.”

“If your business went away, that doesn’t mean you can’t start another one.”

“Investors always say they don’t invest the product, they don’t invest in the idea, they invest in the person.”

On making an impact…

“How many People of Color can I give an opportunity to that not just changes their life but changes the trajectory of their legacy for generations?” 

On being an entrepreneur and a mother during COVID…

“I have so much respect for stay-at-home moms and I have so much respect for teachers because this is no joke. The only thing that helps me is I know we’re all in this together and trying to figure this out because it’s not easy.”

Holding Space: The Women Leading the Way for WOC in the Health & Wellness Industry, Powered by Califia

“The answer to wellness is not always a purchase.”

—Gianne Doherty

Panelists:

Latham Thomas | Celebrity Doula, Maternity Wellness Expert, Author, “Own Your Glow”

Koya Webb | Founder, Get Loved Up Holistic Health and Yoga School

Gianne Doherty | Co-Founder, Organic Bath Co. and Founder, WELL Summit

Jenné Claiborne | Vegan Chef, Author, YouTuber, and Founder, Sweet Potato Soul

Moderator: 

Sonja Rasula | CEO and Founder, Unique Markets

On making space for WOC and BIPOC in wellness and beyond… 

“Amplifying our voices and coming together to make a change is the way we’re going to see massive change in the future.” - Koya Webb

On rest as a form of resistance…

“Rest is how we reclaim our peace, it’s how we reclaim our mental health and no matter what you’re passionate about and what you stand for, if you are not well rested you are going to drive yourself into the ground.” - Gianne Doherty

On diversifying wellness…

“There is a misperception that wellness, and wellness as most of us think of it now, is for people who have more money, for white people, for women and that leaves a lot of people out of the conversation, and out of wellness.” - Jenné Claiborne

On improving health outcomes…

“It doesn't just affect Black people, but it affects Black people disproportionately, so if we focus our energy on solving the problem for Black folks first, everybody’s going to improve.” - Latham Thomas 

“We’re serving everybody, but we’re especially equipped to serve those who we know may fall through the cracks.” - Latham Thomas

On visibility and representation in wellness…

“We’re creating our own spaces and those spaces are allowing us to heal from the trauma that we’ve experienced from living in a world that’s cloaked with white supremacy and oppression.” - Koya Webb

“When we take care of ourselves, we can start change, we can start getting out there to vote, changing the systems, and coming together to make change that we want to see in the world.” - Koya Webb

On cancel culture…

“I’m not a fan of cancel culture. I don’t really think that helps people evolve and I don’t think it solves a lot of problems. I think we need to invite people to the conversation and we can’t shy away from these conversations.” - Gianne Doherty

On voting with your wallet…

“As consumers, we vote with our dollars, we have so much power.” - Gianne Doherty

“I think it is important to actively divest in brands who are not part of this conversation. Not just spend your money over here, but stop spending your money over here.” - Latham Thomas

On creating wellness brands and spaces that reflect the community…

“Hire the people who are in positions of leadership in their communities, in organizations doing this incredible work already. Bring them in to help so that you don’t make mistakes and you don’t misstep and then when you’re designing spaces you’ll be designing for who’s most marginal, who’s going to benefit the most.” - Latham Thomas

“If we’re designing from our space of privilege, then we’re never going to consider the needs of people who are underserved or underestimated.” - Latham Thomas

On making space at the table...

“I hate this metaphor about bringing people to the table. I don’t need that. I don’t need people to bring me to a table. I can build my own stuff. We need to expand that table so it can fit everybody or we need to completely dismantle it and build something new that is actually inclusive of the needs of everybody who’s involved, especially the most marginalized.” - Latham Thomas

On finding your place…

“Just me being me, my presence, is a protest.” - Koya Webb

“Me dealing with all of the pain and trauma is worth it because it’s inspiring other women to do the same,  that they can do it too.” - Koya Webb

“Just show up the best that you can, being the best version of yourself, and knowing that that is enough.” - Koya Webb

On coming together to make change…

“Together we can make a difference but it can’t be all put on Black people—we all have to bond together and really change the systematic racism and systematic oppression that we see in the world today.“ - Koya Webb

On wellness for all…

 “Wellness is what you need, where you are, with what you have.” - Gianne Doherty

“The answer to wellness is not always a purchase.” - Gianne Doherty

On self-care doesn’t cost money…

“It’s part of our culture to think that we need to buy something to satisfy. You don’t really need anything. Really take an honest look at what you’ve got around you and what you can utilize.” - Jenné Claiborne

On ending systemic racism in wellness and beyond…

“I’m not in resistance, I’m in a dance with joy towards liberation.”  - Latham Thomas

“What we are calling for is people who are non-Black to show up in a bigger way with dollars, with access, pick up the phone and make the calls, get out to vote, but stop putting the burden on us.” - Latham Thomas

Self-Care Nation: Why Taking Care of Yourself Has Cultivated a Major Following

“Confidence isn’t an end point. Confidence is something you have to chip away at daily.”

—Hunter McGrady

Panelists:

Coco Bassey | Content Creator

Hunter McGrady | Model & Designer

Christina Grasso | Content Creator & Co-Founder, The Chain

Candice Nikeia | Content Creator & Motivational Influencer

Candice Kumai | CEO, Writer, NYTimes Bestselling Author, and Chef

Moderator: 

Kristina Rodulfo | Women's Health Beauty Director

On slowing down and making time for rest...

 “It’s important to make sure that you’re okay, that you are taking care of you before you take care of other people.” - Candice Nikeia

On confidence... 

“Confidence isn’t an end point. Confidence is something you have to chip away at daily.” - Hunter McGrady 

On self-love…

“Self-love to me looks like peace. I think being at peace with yourself no matter where you are in that journey, no matter what your size is, no matter what you do, being at peace with you in that moment.”  - Hunter McGrady 

On the power of vulnerability…  

“If we don’t share our story in the most authentic way with others then we’ll never actually be able to connect.” - Candice Kumai

On her approach to wellness...

“Just understanding that we are enough as we are, no matter what it is that we’re wearing, no matter what we have on our skin, or whatever people are selling to us.” - Coco Bassey

On supporting women...

 “I would love for more women to support more women and love women.” - Candice Kumai

“We have to stand up for each other and learn to love a little bit deeper and practice empathy, compassion, kindness. Those are the three most important things in wellness.” - Candice Kumai

On her #AllWorthy movement…

“We’re all worthy of success, of feeling beautiful, of feeling valued, of feeling important, we’re worthy purely because we exist.’  - Hunter McGrady 

“It’s about holding brands accountable and saying this is what I want to see, this is what I’m going to support, and I’m not going to support this, my dollar doesn’t go there anymore and then the domino effect can happen.” - Hunter McGrady

On the self-care movement…

“When you look at the voices now in social media, they’re really breaking ground, making changes, and really being raised up.” - Coco Bassey

“It’s okay to show your less perfect days, it’s okay to show that even if you’re trying out a skincare brand that your skin isn’t perfect but that you're a work in progress just like every other person.” - Coco Bassey

On the comparison trap…

“Comparison is the thief of all joy”  - Candice Nikeia 

On ending the shame…

“It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to love yourself as you are and if you gained 10 pounds you gained 10 pounds, it’s not the end of the world.” - Hunter McGrady

On getting out of the negativity spiral...

“When someone is in that realm of tearing someone else down, they’re really projecting that they haven’t healed yet.” - Candice Nikeia

 “What you see in other people is really what you see in yourself.” - Candice Nikeia 

“The best thing for me to do is figure out who I am, the things that I love about myself, and use them to heal and to develop myself instead of looking at the lacks in my life.” - Candice Nikeia

On striving for change…

“We’re seeing that when you’re loud, things can change—so, stay loud!” - Hunter McGrady

On being yourself and telling your story…

“Regardless of who you are or what you look like, your own story matters.” - Coco Bassey

“Be yourself. You are enough, you are interesting as you are.” - Coco Bassey   

Beyond the Filter: How to Launch, Scale, and Grow a Brand from the Ground Up

“

We don’t sell diversity and inclusivity, we sell authenticity and self-love.”

—Sharon Chuter

Panelists:

Lauren Bosworth | Founder & CEO, Love Wellness

Katie Sturino | Founder, Megababe

Sharon Chuter | Founder & CEO, UOMA Beauty

Courtney Adeleye | CEO & Founder, Mane Choice

Bobbi Brown | Founder and CEO, Beauty Evolution

Moderator: 

Kayla Greaves | Senior Beauty Editor, InStyle

On turning a home-based hobby into a thriving beauty empire…

“The biggest form of marketing you can receive is customer service and word of mouth. So, for me it was always about exceeding the customer expectations. If that’s the foundation of your company, it’s much easier to grow.” - Courtney Adeleye 

On ditching the fear to start all over again… 

“Anything you do as an entrepreneur you could either look as scary or as an opportunity.” - Bobbi Brown

“I am incredibly naive, I’m not afraid, and I don’t think what I’m going to do is necessarily going to be a success but I don’t worry that it’s not going to work out.” - Bobbi Brown

On ditching unrealistic beauty ideals to redefine beauty…

“We don’t sell diversity and inclusivity, we sell authenticity and self-love and the ability to be unapologetically yourself and that’s what makes us different.” - Sharon Chuter

On the challenges that come with scaling a business…

“If you want to scale your business, the entire thing is a challenge so what are you going to do about it? Not everyone is built for it. But you have to roll right through it, and learn from your mistakes, and keep rolling.” - Courtney Adeleye 

On the challenge of being an “overnight success”... 

“It takes 14 years to blow up overnight.” - Sharon Chuter

On hiring the right team… 

“Hire slowly and fire quickly as you build your team because team is everything.”  - Sharon Chuter

“Everything is a challenge but I would urge every entrepreneur to not underestimate the value of the right people around you, especially when you are in the fast growth phase.” - Sharon Chuter

“The strength of our business is that the people who are in it are the brand.” - Sharon Chuter

On following your own path...

“I will never do what’s popular, I will always do what’s right to me.” - Sharon Chuter

“Be strong enough to defend the values of the business because, at the end of the day, throughout whatever growth and as you scale, if the foundation is not right the house is going to collapse.” - Sharon Chuter

On tapping into her community for R&D...

“We take the feedback from our community and we put that back into the research and development and we evolve. We give the people what they want.” - Katie Sturino

On raising capital…

“Talking about capital and raising money has really been romanticized over the past few years. There’s this element of glamour. But it’s really important to realize that you don’t have to go out and raise money like that.” - Lauren Bosworth

“If you are starting a business, I would really think about exploring traditional, old-school routes of raising money, which is a bank loan, or raising from friends and family instead of being convinced that you have to go down this investment path.” - Lauren Bosworth

““If you choose to bring on investors and bring people into your business it’s like a marriage and a lot of people raising for the first time don’t quite realize the depth of those relationships with these people.” - Lauren Bosworth  

On starting The Generational Advantage Fund...

“When I started my company with $500 we went from zero to 60,000 doors within two or three years. No credit card, no line of credit, no loan, no investor, it was, literally grow as you go.” - Courtney Adeleye  

“Here I am, having sold over $100 million worth of products and I still have to prove myself in the finance world. There’s still a lot of discrimination that’s going on. We can’t get the funding, we can’t get a loan, we can’t get a line of credit. There’s no one speaking up for us as an African American—as a business owner we are automatically exiled out of things, there are grants that don’t apply for us, so for me this really hit home.” - Courtney Adeleye 

On creating a diverse brand…

“It was really important to me that there was a color for every woman that came to the counter.” - Bobbi Brown

“We should always have room for diverse people because it makes the conversation richer, it makes your products stronger, it makes your management approach better and overall it creates a healthier business.” - Sharon Chuter

“Diversity is reality, at the end of the day. It’s what makes the world turn.” - Courtney Adeleye 

On switching career lanes…

“First and foremost, you have to make peace with how you feel about yourself and how you feel about how other people perceive you. And then it’s figuring out how you tell your story. You have to figure out how to market yourself.” - Lauren Bosworth

Redefining Beauty: A Conversation With Self-Love Advocate Nabela Noor, Powered by OGX

“You are beyond any size, measurement, tag, label, or anything that’s trying to put you into a box.”

—Nabela Noor

Panelist:

Nabela Noor | Content Creator, Founder of Zeba, & OGXpert

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO & Founder, Create & Cultivate 

On launching her YouTube channel...

“When I started to make videos, it was really because I saw other people doing it and felt so inspired by them and they represented so many beautiful diverse communities.” 

“I realized that I can do this for my community. I can do this for Brown girls everywhere. I can make videos about my complexion and share tips for people like me and anybody who wants to celebrate beauty.”

“It all started from seeing that there wasn’t something there yet for people like me and then making it happen.”

On embarking on a self-love journey…

“I grew up, and still live, in a very conservative, predominately white town, and I did not see myself represented in the world around me. Not just in the media, not just in entertainment, not just in beauty and fashion, but also physically in the world around me.”

“I grew up with a lot of insecurities and not feeling beautiful in my own skin and not knowing that I am beautiful and that those differences that I’m reminded of daily actually are beautiful and should be celebrated.”

On being a champion for diversity and inclusion…

“This isn’t something that’s a fad right now, this is our truth. We have, for our entire lives, wanted to be seen and represented.”

On navigating negativity in the comments…

“If you are happy and successful, the likelihood of you going online and saying horrible things to someone else is very small.”

“Happy people don’t say hurtful things. With joy comes kindness. It’s offered me peace in times when I’ve wanted to cry and believed the things that people say about me.”

“It’s helped me, it’s freed me, because there was a time where I was constantly shaping my understanding of myself based on what other people were saying about me.”

On collaborating with Elf Cosmetics…

“I’ve had opportunities to do other collaborations but I chose Elf for my first-ever collaboration because I come from very humble beginnings, I'm a daughter of immigrant parents who came to this country with nothing, and I know what it’s like to want to look and feel your best but not have a big budget.”

On choosing which brands to partner with...

“A brand that loves and values me and has an incredible product is a brand that I’m going to want to work with.”

On being an OGXpert…

“I started my self-love journey by picking up a bottle of OGX shampoo and deciding I’m not going to listen to what other people say about me and my body, I’m going to try to find the things I love about myself and start there—and it was my hair.”

On holding brands accountable... 

“I’m really looking for people and brands who are championing diversity from the ground up, from their business internally outward.”

“Are you actually doing the things internally within your company and with your actions to really reflect what you’re saying to the world?”

“We want to feel seen and heard in a way that’s authentic and in a way that includes us.”

“If we’re not having diverse people in these conference rooms, if it’s just a bunch of white people talking about how they can be more diverse, how is that actually authentically seeking diversity?”

On becoming the first-ever Bangladeshi-American cover star for a major magazine...

“Me having the Glamour UK cover, hopefully inspires another brown girl—another Bangladeshi girl—to reach for her dreams to try something because she saw that somebody can do it too.”

On cultivating confidence…

“When you make a conscious effort to be in love with yourself, it really helps you be more confident and feel like you can take on things that are tough or difficult or uncomfortable, because you know, at the end of the day, you can sit with yourself and be proud.”

On launching Zeba, a self-love movement and a size-inclusive brand…

“We are challenging the idea that beauty is something that can be defined by one institution or by society and we’re constantly encouraging others to redefine beauty standards to include them rather than changing themselves to fit within someone else’s standards of beauty.”

“You are beyond any size, measurement, tag, label, or anything that’s trying to put you into a box.”

On creating an inclusive community online…

“When you’re building your own community, really figure out ways to champion conversation rather than you on a stage—that’ll make the difference.”

“Are you talking at people or are you talking with them?”

“I create posts that I think invite people to share their stories—and people want to share their stories.”

WorkParty Podcast: Tia Mowry-Hardrict on the (Many) Benefits of Having More Than One Career

“Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get the answers that you’re looking for.”

—Tia Mowry-Hardrict

Panelist:

Tia Mowry-Hardrict | Actress, Author, Producer, Co-Founder, Anser Supplements

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO & Founder, Create & Cultivate 

On believing in yourself…

“You have to ignore the naysayers.”

“It starts with you believing in yourself, believing who you are.”

“When you know who you are and you believe in who you are, then you become this strong pillar, and the outside noise or wind or turbulence doesn’t affect you because you’re strong in who you are.”

On listening to your body and navigating a broken healthcare system… 

“Don’t give up. Don’t listen to one doctor. You know your body, you know what’s going on, and don’t give up the fight.”

“Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get the answers that you’re looking for.” 

On taking care of yourself… 

“Self-care is not selfish.”

“How can you be the best mom, how can you be the best sister, how can you be the best entrepreneur, how can you be the best friend, if you do not take care of yourself?”

“It’s okay to take care of yourself.”

On launching her wellness brand Anser…

“I wanted to encourage women to take charge of their health and wellness.”

“When I was on my personal wellness journey, I did not see representation. I did not see Women of Color, I did not see women of diversity, and that bothered me. I wanted to change this narrative. That’s why it was so important for me to come out with a brand that spoke to consumers that did not feel involved, that did not feel included.”

“DNA doesn’t vary when it comes to ethnicity, but where it does vary is with lifestyle, culture, awareness, and education.” 

“My goal with this brand is to continue to educate, to continue to bring awareness, to continue to inspire, and to encourage people to reach their potential when it comes to their wellness. You deserve it!”

“You are in control of your health and your wellness. You have that responsibility, don’t put that responsibility just on a doctor.”

On selling products at affordable price points… 

“It hurt me to the core when I was out there on my personal journey and I saw that wellness was only designed or made for one type of customer. That’s not fair; I wanted to change that narrative.”

“My goal is definitely to make sure that Anser is accessible without sacrificing the quality and the integrity of the product.”

On where entrepreneurs should focus their financial resources… 

“Product, product, product is the most important thing.”

“You want to make sure that you put a lot of your coins on the product.” 

On carrying a business through COVID-19…

“The key to being a great entrepreneur is learning how to pivot, learning how to adjust.”

“The key in times like this is to communicate with your audience—what are they thinking, what do they want from you, what’s going in their minds—and deliver.”

On leading a team…

“You can’t do everything on your own.” 

“I look at it like a song. You cannot have a beautiful song with just one person, or one instrument, one note.”

“Trusting your team and building a team that knows how to take care of your weaknesses—because we all have weaknesses—you start to build this beautiful symphony and the music is harmonized and it’s beautiful.”

“You have to be very vocal in vocalizing what your goals are and what your vision is, unapologetically.” 

On the advice she’d give to her younger self…

“You are enough. You can do anything that you put your mind to.” 

“Make sure that you continue to stay steadfast, believe in yourself. Trust the journey.”

“Look at yourself in the mirror every single day and tell yourself, ‘I love you! You are worth it.’”

Evening Keynote: A Conversation With Michelle Pfeiffer & Jaclyn Johnson

“When you start a business, you want to serve a need that nobody else has served.”

—Michelle Pfeiffer

Panelist:

Michelle Pfeiffer | Actress & Founder, Henry Rose

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | CEO & Founder, Create & Cultivate 

On moving past the negativity and forging ahead… 

“Initially, it was a lot of ‘no,’ ‘this will never work,’ ‘you’re going to fail,’ ‘nobody’s going to buy genderless fragrances,’ ‘nobody wants to hear about celebrity fragrances.’”

On launching a business in a brand-new category… 

“I am equal parts naive and courageous. Often, I’ve thrown myself into a situation without really thinking it through because of my courage and then I find myself in the deep end and I can’t swim.” 

“When you start a business, you want to serve a need that nobody else has served.” 

 “The problem is, because no one has treaded that path yet, there are no guidelines for you and you have to make it up as you go along.”

On developing a clean fragrance line… 

“Between IFF’s restrictions Cradle to Cradle’s restrictions EWG’s restrictions, our perfumers went from a typical palette of 3,000 ingredients to 250.”

“Everybody put their egos aside and set about making this happen.”

“Throughout the process I learned that there are some safe synthetics that are safer for the general population than these concentrated plant-based materials.”

On pursuing 100% transparency… 

“When I went to the cosmetics industry to develop this with them, it was much too soon. Nobody was willing to look at the safety at a deeper level in the products that they used and nobody wanted to be 100% transparent.”

“Everybody’s afraid of trade secrets and getting their formulations ripped off, which I understand, but with reverse engineering you can pretty much find out what’s in anything.”

On navigating COVID-19…  

“We’ve had to pivot along the way and the good thing about being a direct-to-consumer product is you aren’t really affected by retail closing down and you can pivot quickly.”

“We had our supply chain disrupted a couple of times and we had our labs closed down in the middle of working on things for holiday, so there are some things that won’t happen this year that we wanted to happen, but at the same time, we still have so much work to do on awareness of our fragrance line.”

On finding the right partners… 

“The hardest thing is finding the right partners, whether it’s your partners in developing your product, doing your packaging, your PR, and building the business.”

On advocating for environmental health… 

“The consumers really believe that whatever is on those store shelves is safe because they believe that their government has looked at the ingredients and know them to be safe, and they have a right for that to be true.” 

“The FDA right now doesn’t have the authority to demand to know what’s in the product, to demand to recall the product, they have no jurisdiction.”

Don’t miss Sophie Monet, Steffi Lynn Tsai, Blair Armstrong, and more at our digital Making It With Madewell summit on Saturday, August 15. RSVP for free here.

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