Building & Becoming: How Two Women Are Assembling Empowered Voices

A voice is uncovered—not manufactured. It takes a deep sense of self and hard work to consciously become the very person you’re meant to be. But once uncovered, it’s something to celebrate—especially with others. Because when others can see themselves in you, their voices are enabled too. Building communities and connecting these voices lays the groundwork for empowered generations to come. 

 In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the stories of two influential Black women—Hayet Rida and Dr. Ijeoma Kola—who are using their voices to build a world where becoming the best version of yourself is always possible. Through cherished narratives and an honest approach to storytelling, influencer and creative strategist Hayet Rida is imparting a much needed perspective that lends a new voice to the influencer landscape. Historian and content creator Dr. Ijeoma Kola is a champion for Black women’s health, education, and empowerment, who combined her love for learning with education and mentorship, to inspire the next generation of multi-hyphenate scholars and creators. 

As a result, their communities have catalyzed opportunities for future change makers to share their truth and rise to their potential as leaders and creators. Ahead, the two dynamic voices share how they create environments that foster meaningful growth, moments that have impacted their purpose, and advice for women pursuing their dreams.

Dr. Ijeoma Kola

You’re the Founder of Cohort Sistas, a digital non profit supporting and empowering Black women who are pursuing doctoral degrees. What was the lightbulb moment for Cohort Sistas and why was it important to create a digital community? 

I started playing with the idea of starting a digital community for Black women pursuing doctoral degrees at the start of the summer of 2020. I was one year post-PhD, and finally had enough distance from it that I was able to think more clearly about the challenges of my PhD program and how I could make the process easier for anyone else who decided to pursue that journey. Ultimately, it was a close relationship with one of my friends who also completed her doctoral degree in 2019 that helped me push through. We wrote together each week, held each other accountable, encouraged one another when we each wanted to quit, and were able to talk openly about the fact that institutions of higher education were not created for people who looked like us. Once the pandemic hit and people started having these conversations about police brutality and systematic racism, my first thought was oh my goodness, Black women who were already one of the few or the only in their doctoral program, who had already been dealing with racism and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom, would now have to try to create bonds with their classmates over Zoom?! I had spent the past ten years building a robust digital community through my blog, so I figured I could apply the concept of digital communities to support Black women pursuing doctoral degrees in this moment when they needed it the most. And Cohort Sistas was born.

As a historian, postdoctoral research fellow, and a champion for Black women’s health and education, can you share an experience that stands out highlighting the lack of infrastructure to support Black women in pursuit of doctoral degrees?

There’s so much data about the lack of mentorship, resources, and community for Black women pursuing doctoral degrees — on average, we take longer to finish, accrue more debt, and are less likely to find employment in academic spaces than our white counterparts. Because I held an external fellowship and had income from my blog to support my studies, I didn’t struggle financially through my doctoral program in the way that many people do. But I could have easily been someone who spent 8, 9, or even 10 years working on my degree, because I didn’t have enough mentorship and guidance during my program. But beyond finances and mentorship there was never a concern for how racial injustice could impact my performance as a student. In my second year, I took an incomplete in a class because I was physically unable to bring my fingers to type my final paper about bioethics after a grand jury chose not to indict the police officers who killed Michael Brown. My professor at the time didn’t care why I was unable to finish my paper. He didn’t ask about how I was doing or how that egregious example of injustice made me unable to write about justice in this class. He just gave me an incomplete and gave me a deadline by when I had to submit the paper so that I could get credit for the course. To him, justice was a theoretical issue, but for me, it was a real life issue. 

The Cohort Sistas community has over 2,000 Black women representing 40+ countries across a wide variety of academic disciplines. What have you learned from the women in your community?

I already knew Black women were resilient because hello, we’re still here despite it all, but there are Cohort Sistas who are working full time and doing their doctorate and they’ve got kids and they’re publishing papers and they’re still making time for their friendships and personal well-being. And everyone is driven by a true passion to use their research and scholarship to make a difference in their communities and the world — because let’s face it, nobody gets a doctoral degree for the money. The Cohort Sistas community has brought me so much joy and hope, and they’ve taught me the power of the combination of passion and grit.  

Your community—both online and off—spans different cultures, time zones, and areas of academic expertise. How do you create an environment that fosters meaningful connections?

The first step was creating a community that did not live on a social media platform. As much as social media can be a tool for connection, it's hard to form real, meaningful bonds with people in the midst of all the distractions of memes, ads, and videos. We have a special members-only platform, which will hopefully grow to a standalone app soon, and the community culture is based on some of my personal values: transparency and respect. We encourage people to be their full selves in Cohort Sistas, especially because we often have to be incredibly buttoned up in academic spaces since any of our shortcomings can be and often are projected onto our entire community. We have just as many social events as we do professional development events, and our mentorship program is a small group model to encourage people to create small tight-knit relationships. Community and connection is at the heart of what Cohort Sistas does, and without it, we would just be another professional development program. Meaningful connections to support Black women and non-binary people through graduate school was always the goal.

Your impact as a mentor is undeniable—who made the biggest impact on your own growth and development?

I’m going to have to shout out two people. My mom was such an amazing example of a woman who chased her dreams, did things her own way in spite of what her family or friends thought (which came back to bite her when I decided to follow in her footsteps!), and truly lived in service to others, without losing herself. She undoubtedly shaped who I am as a person, mom, wife, and leader. Secondly, I have to recognize one of my mentors, Dr. LaShawnDa Pittman. For the past year, she has been the wise and witty Black woman professor that I needed to help guide me ten years ago when I started my PhD. Since meeting her, she has equipped me with so much confidence in my own navigation of academic spaces, and she encourages me to continue doing the work of Cohort Sistas by affirming its importance. She’s an example that I’ve never had until now — a Black woman who is carving out her own lane in academia without thinking it’s the end all be all of her life. She’s basically my academic fairy godmother! 

Outside of academia, you’re a seasoned content creator who uses compelling storytelling and imagery to create joyful and relatable lifestyle content. What inspires you? 

My name inspires me! In the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria, Ijeoma means travel well or safe journey. I had people call me by a nickname up until I finished college, but something about turning 21 created this urgency in me to really embrace my name and start enjoying my life journey. I was the kind of person who had a meticulous 10-year plan, but all that went out the window when a long-term relationship ended in college and I decided to forego my childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor. So I decided to just live and trust that God would figure it out so that I didn’t have to. I first started documenting my journey of learning to care for my natural hair, and then I just started sharing and capturing different parts of my life as I matured and developed. I’m constantly exploring, trying out, and learning new things. If you follow me long enough you’ll see I’m the queen of the pivot — I’m really into sharing tales of motherhood one second and the next I’m teaching myself how to renovate a house, because why not?!  

What’s the number one piece of advice you have for women pursuing higher education?

You don’t have to do it alone. You need people beside you, who are going through the doctoral journey with you and know exactly what you’re dealing with. You need people ahead of you, to provide mentorship and guide you along your journey. And you need people behind you, who have no idea what the heck you’re doing, don’t understand your research or why you have to spend 15 hours reading for class or running experiments, but who will continue to push and encourage you. Find your people, and you will be able to make it through, even when it seems impossible.

Hayet Rida

You’re the founder of Hayet Rida, a lifestyle blog created as a self love haven. What inspired you to create this radically inclusive space and why do you think it resonated with so many people?

My favorite quote is you cannot heal what you don't reveal. Which is from Jay-Z, in case anyone wants to know. I've always believed in the power of telling my story no matter how imperfect it is because when people see themselves in you, they have permission to be who they are no matter if it's for one day.

You have this undeniable ability to connect with your community through personal anecdotes and inspiring messages of self love—and awareness. How do you create an environment that fosters meaningful connections?

The best part about fostering meaningful connections is that you don't have to try. The power comes from telling your real story without shame.

You’ve paved a wide path for women to own their truth as creators. Can you share a challenge you had to overcome when championing this path that speaks to your experience as a Black woman?

So many times you are up against who trends say you should be and who you know you should be. So there were many times where I got caught up in the "grow your following, do what your audience wants to see, make all the money", but I had to make those mistakes to realize it wasn't worth it. Which is why I continue to encourage women that you do not have to create a life, the one you have is always enough.

You encourage the idea of seizing and accepting the ups and downs of personal discovery, reminding others that “each time you think you have found yourself, the journey only begins again.” Who has made the biggest impact on your journey?

Myself. I have overcome so much, and oftentimes I will look back and be amazed at what happened when I embrace failure instead of escaping it.

Along with offering gracious advice to those who may be struggling, you’re a dedicated mentor through your influencer learning platform—The Rida Collective. What have you learned from your community? 

The best thing I have learned from my community is that so many women have stories and experiences that the world deserves to hear but they get caught up in always double guessing if their story is worth sharing. And they remind me to continue to unapologetically share mine.

You opened up to your audience about rebirth, and how you often like to re-introduce yourself to yourself as an exercise to remain present and aware of who you’re becoming. Have you ever uncovered something unexpected that led to growth or an increased sense of purpose? 

Over the last couple of years, I have found myself in many medical situations that put you on a surgeon's table about to be put to sleep for surgery. There is a magic in those moments where you promise yourself that if your eyes open, you will live more urgently. That always drives my purpose.

Outside of content creation you founded Aiya Candle Co and The Rida Book Co. brands that both build on your message of authenticity and celebrate the trust in oneself to make your dreams a reality.  What advice can you share for women on cultivating the confidence to go after their dreams? 

I think the most important message is to realize that confidence isn't like filling your fuel tank to get you through, it is a muscle you build as you go. It's not about waiting till you have the confidence, or the time, or the patience. It's about taking the leap , knowing that failure is your fuel.

Going Against The Grain With Oui The People Founder Karen Young

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Since the dawn of advertising in the fashion and beauty space, we’ve looked to unrealistic images of beauty, often resulting in negative self-talk, low self-confidence, and unrealistic standards among women. However, a new guard of beauty leaders have entered the space disrupting this narrative entirely. When launching Oui the People, CEO & Founder Karen Young took note of the shaving ads from the 50’s and realized that modern brands using similar language needed to make a change.

As someone who had firmly established herself in both the luxury fashion and beauty industries before branching out and starting her own direct-to-consumer skincare brand, Karen was on a mission to inform our culture and change the beauty conversation.

Her brand Oui the People offers a beautiful heirloom safety razor and all-natural luxury grooming products that cater to the modern women’s needs. Now one of less than 100 Black Women to ever raise over $1 million, she recently closed an oversubscribed seed round—meaning she got more money than she had asked for—raising the brand more than $3 million dollars!

On this episode of WorkParty, Karen Young shares what it takes to lead a movement in the beauty industry, how to raise capital, how her upbringing impacted her outlook on self-care, and how her background in psychology informs her highly personalized customer experience.


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

RESOURCES

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS . . .


  • Oui the People's brand philosophy and impact on changing standards in beauty

  • Karen's experience raising over $3 million in capital

  • How studying psychology has provided an advantage in terms of observing and reacting to customer behaviors

  • Being proactive versus reactive in customer service

  • The value of embodying your natural beauty

  • Diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry

  • A day in the life of Karen Young, CEO & Founder


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Rooting Your Brand in Community-Engaging Rituals with Crown Affair’s Dianna Cohen

When Inspiration Comes to Fruition with Lisa Bühler of Lisa Says Gah!

From Memes to a Community of Millions: How Sami Sage Turned Betches into a Social-First Brand

How Fitness Entrepreneur Megan Roup Used Social Media to Turn The Sculpt Society Into a Hit

Karen Perez Launched Second Wind on Instagram—Now Her Products Are Stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY . . .

Shopify • Go to shopify.com/party, for a FREE fourteen-day trial to receive full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

How EveryStylishGirl Founder Nana Agyemang Is Bringing BIPOC Women into Media


ABOUT THE EPISODE

Collaboration over competition is a core belief of our team at Create & Cultivate.

And it’s clear that Nana Agyemang is someone who abides by this philosophy as well.

As the founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl, Nana is at the helm of a multimedia platform that provides young women with the skills and access to obtain fashion media jobs.

Which is fitting because Nana’s own résumé as a fashion editor is stacked with major media outlets, including New York Magazine’s The Cut, Refinery29, Elle, and The New York Times.

On this episode of WorkParty, Nana shares how she broke into the competitive world of fashion media herself and how she’s helping others do the same.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

RESOURCES

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS . . .


  • Origins & Inspiration Behind EveryStylishGirl

  • Importance of Transparency & Mentorship

  • How She's Helping BIPOC Women in Media

  • Her Career Path From Editor to Entrepreneur

  • Biggest Misconceptions About Fashion Media

  • Advice For Pursuing Multiple Careers at Once

  • Time Management and Her Five Year Plan

  • How She Handles Failure & Social Backlash

  • Plans For The Future of EveryStylishGirl

  • Impact of EveryStylishGirl on the Fashion Industry


OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE . . .

Rooting Your Brand in Community-Engaging Rituals with Crown Affair’s Dianna Cohen

When Inspiration Comes to Fruition with Lisa Bühler of Lisa Says Gah!

From Memes to a Community of Millions: How Sami Sage Turned Betches into a Social-First Brand

How Fitness Entrepreneur Megan Roup Used Social Media to Turn The Sculpt Society Into a Hit

Karen Perez Launched Second Wind on Instagram—Now Her Products Are Stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue

How to Develop a Visual Identity That Drives Sales With Onda’s CCO Kelli Adams

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Branding is more than designing products that look great on Instagram. In fact, research has shown that great, consistent branding can actually increase revenue by 33%

Which is something Kelli Adams has witnessed firsthand.

As the chief creative officer of the wildly popular canned sparkling tequila seltzer brand Onda, she’s helped the brand become a multi-million dollar business and amass a huge following of fans.

On this episode of WorkParty, Kelli shares how she developed the visual identity for Onda, where she seeks inspiration when she’s creatively blocked, and so much more.

RESOURCES

To join the WorkParty click HERE

To connect with Kelli Adams click HERE

To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE

To learn more about Onda click HERE

To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE

To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789)

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS . . .

Developing fresh takes on brand identity

How to navigate constructive criticism

Delivering client expectations while remaining true to yourself

The brands that have influenced Onda's vision

How to resist the pressure to follow what’s popular

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE . . .

Rooting Your Brand in Community-Engaging Rituals with Crown Affair’s Dianna Cohen

When Inspiration Comes to Fruition with Lisa Bühler of Lisa Says Gah!

From Memes to a Community of Millions: How Sami Sage Turned Betches into a Social-First Brand

How Fitness Entrepreneur Megan Roup Used Social Media to Turn The Sculpt Society Into a Hit

Karen Perez Launched Second Wind on Instagram—Now Her Products Are Stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue


Siffat Haider WorkParty Blog Post

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Collaboration over competition is a core belief of our team at Create & Cultivate.

And it’s clear that Nana Agyemang is someone who abides by this philosophy as well.

As the founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl, Nana is at the helm of a multimedia platform that provides young women with the skills and access to obtain fashion media jobs.

Which is fitting because Nana’s own résumé as a fashion editor is stacked with major media outlets, including New York Magazine’s The Cut, Refinery29, Elle, and The New York Times.

On this episode of WorkParty, Nana shares how she broke into the competitive world of fashion media herself and how she’s helping others do the same.

RESOURCES

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS . . .

  • The biggest misconceptions about fashion media

  • Advice for multi-hyphenates pursuing multiple careers

  • The use of social media for self expression

  • Bouncing back after setbacks

  • The impact of EveryStylishGirl on the fashion industry

OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE . . .

What Does a Magazine Editor Do? Domino's Digital Content Director Explains

How many times have you peered voyeuristically into the lives of people you admire via social media, video, or published interviews and wondered what it must be like to do their job? We’ve all been down that research rabbit hole on our quest to create and cultivate the career of our dreams, but often we’re still left pondering about the realities of their day-to-day—so, what is it really like? Well, in this series, I Want Your Job we uncover the truth by getting down to the nitty-gritty on what it’s actually like to work in your quote-unquote “dream job” and if the reality stacks up to the expectation. Up next, Sophie Miura, Digital Content Director at Domino.

When it comes to your career trajectory, there really is no clear path anymore (or a gold watch at the end!). Today, it’s fraught with twists and turns, ups and downs, curves, and sideway maneuvers but that’s what makes it so exciting. Sure, there are challenges along the way, even a few mistakes, and wrong turns, but ultimately, we all land where we’re meant to be. And oftentimes, it’s in a position you never expected to be in either.

This was the case for Sophie Miura. While she had a passion for media, she was unsure of which area to pursue, so she tried them all—from radio to broadcast, print and digital—until she found the one she really loved: magazine publishing. But breaking in and landing a job in the very competitive world of magazines wasn’t easy.

Read on to learn how Miura interned her way to the Digital Content Director at Domino (where she has helped to launch compelling new series, such as New Voices, that spotlight and celebrate women who are shaping the design world), the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she believes in the importance of on-the-job experience.

I Interned Everywhere to Get My Foot in the Door

As soon as I finished high school, I started interning and worked at almost every type of media outlet, from broadcast radio to television, until I found one I really loved: magazine publishing. When I wasn’t studying media and communications at university, I was interning at Hearst, and, after three months of fetching coffee, organizing the fashion closet, and sourcing rare purebred dogs for a cover shoot (yes, really), I scored a full-time offer as the assistant to the editor in chief—I was ecstatic! 

I spent four years working my way up, from picture and production editor to health and features writer. Then, the magazine closed. I was devastated, but ultimately, there was a silver lining: I was invited to join the launch team of Elle Australia. It was a crazy experience, and I learned to be incredibly resourceful and do whatever I could to just get the job done. By age 25, though, I was totally burnt out. I took a giant leap and quit my job, bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok, and spent five months backpacking without a plan. It was so liberating after spending my early twenties working so hard. 

I was so worried that it would halt my career but it actually did the opposite. I knew two things by the time I finished traveling: that I wanted to live overseas and that I loved writing about travel. I reached out to every person I knew in publishing, sent a lot of cold emails, and after a lot of hustling, landed a job as a lifestyle editor at MyDomaine in New York. It was a whirlwind. I traveled to far-flung destinations like the Arctic Circle and Bora Bora to write about new hotels and airlines as I cut my teeth as a digital editor.  

All in all, I must have done at least six internships before landing a full-time role. It was the best way to figure out what kind of career I actually wanted. Certain media roles sound impressive but are completely different in reality. Interning helped me to fast-track that learning experience and really zero-in on what I wanted to do. 

On-the-Job Experience Often Trumps a Degree

I have a Bachelor of Arts in media and communications. It was a great entry course but the best experience I had was on the job. If I hadn’t consistently interned while studying, I don’t know where I’d be.  

I Set an Agenda Each Morning and Prioritize Tasks

I’m the digital content director at Domino, which means that I oversee digital editorial as well as the social media and email team. My days are pretty varied, but typically, I’m in the office early and use that first hour of silence to do the most important tasks: I set an agenda for the day (I find that three priority tasks are realistic; any more is a stretch), review our daily content mix, take stock of industry news and competitor coverage, and dive into overnight traffic to make sure I’m across any fluctuations. The rest of the day tends to be dominated by meetings! I manage a team of eight and work with the print and branded content teams so face time is really important.  

I Have My Dream Job, But Reality Doesn’t Always Match Expectations

It’s much more strategic and team-facing than my last role, which was a senior editor at MyDomaine. Fortunately, Domino is a pretty flexible workplace and we’re really encouraged to shape our own roles. When I crave a dose of creativity, I jump into a brainstorm or workshop stories with our editors.  

There’s much more to my job than overseeing the website. What you see (whether it be on Domino.com, Instagram, or our other social channels) is really a fraction of the role. It’s much more numbers-based than you’d expect.  

I Worked in Several Adjacent Roles and Industries Before Landing on This One

My advice is to try as many different roles within media or publishing before you choose a path. The industry has really evolved in the last three years, and chances are, there are roles that you don’t even know exist. The most valuable thing I did was to intern in radio, television broadcast, and publishing, then, within publishing, I tried advertising, brand partnerships, and editorial. Give yourself time to test and learn before you specialize—it might feel like lost time, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. 

I Chose Jobs Based on Who I Wanted to Learn From, Not What

Apply for positions based on the people you’re excited to work with. Your manager plays such a formative role when you’re starting out—learn good habits from the best! My first editor in chief, Lizzie Renkert, helped pave the way for me today. She offered me my first job in publishing and consistently challenged and supported me.  

I’m Constantly Paying It Forward and Leading With an Outstretched Hand

I’m always impressed when someone cold contacts me, and even though my schedule is packed, I try to grab coffee with students and interns when possible. Unintentionally, it’s also how I’ve found some really talented employees. 

I Found Mentors Over Time, But I Didn’t Force It

I think it’s helpful for anyone trying to build a career to have a mentor, but in my experience, it has to happen organically. If you do find someone who you click with on a professional level, be proactive. Reach out regularly (for me, that’s every two months) and always offer to work around their schedule. 

“Work Hard and Be Kind” Is My Motto (and It’s Served Me Well)

Work hard and be kind. My mom wrote this simple quote on a chalkboard in our kitchen when I was about 15, and I’ve never forgotten it. It might sound naive, but I really believe that if you do your best and try to act with kindness at work (and in life!) good things will come your way.  

I Am Constantly Learning From Other Women in My Field

Stella Bugbee, the editor in chief of The Cut, consistently pushes the boundaries, and I’m so inspired by her work, voice, and point of view. I learned a lot from her interview on Bon Appetit’s Foodcast podcast.

Have an Appetite for Media (and Consume as Much as Possible)

For me, it’s less about career books and more about constantly staying on top of digital articles from publications and writers I admire. The sites I check daily are The Cut, The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Medium, Digiday, and Domino, of course. 

I listen to the Digiday podcast to stay up-to-date with industry news, The Daily for current affairs, The Cut on Tuesdays for storytelling, Offline for work-life perspective, and The Minimalists to remind me that less is more.  

Never Stop Learning

It’s almost impossible to feel like you’ve truly mastered your craft when you work in media, and you have to learn to be okay with that. There’s always a new platform, a new algorithm, a new way to tell a story. The most successful people are those who like to be kept on their toes.  

Digital Media Isn’t Easy, But I Find Inspiration in the Challenge

A healthy dose of reality. Digital jobs can be tough—the 24-hour news cycle is relentless and you’re constantly “on”—so sometimes it helps to take a step back and remember why you started. At its core, Domino aims to inspire readers with beautiful home tours, clever DIYs, and feel-good decorating ideas. I try to remember that when I’m stressed and need to find my center. 

I Swear By the One-Touch Rule for Maximum Productivity

Email is the biggest source of stress for me. It’s never-ending and I hate feeling like I’m not on top of it! Lately, I’ve been trying the one-touch rule which means that as soon as I open an email, I have to action it (respond, forward, or archive) and remove it from my inbox. It takes a lot of discipline (I’m guilty of leaving messages unanswered) but it means that I never do the same task twice or let inbox anxiety simmer. 

I’m Always Looking for Contributors, So Hit Me Up

I’d love to hear from you! I’m always on the lookout for beautiful home tours and sharp contributors. If you have an idea for Domino or are interested in collaborating with us, shoot me an email at pitches@domino.com. 

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When Inspiration Comes to Fruition with Lisa Bühler of Lisa Says Gah!

ABOUT THE EPISODE

So many brands can attribute success to social media stardom, but very few elicit the cult-like fandom of Lisa Says Gah. 

After years of working in fast fashion, founder & CEO Lisa Buhler found herself searching for sustainable pieces that were more accessible to the average millennial. 

What started as a curation of quirky statement pieces by small, sustainable, women-owned businesses, Lisa Says Gah forged a new path in the ecommerce space as an anti-shop kind of shop—one where community, inspiration, diversity, discovery and a little bit of nostalgia are pillars to its success. 

on this episode of WorkParty, Lisa shares how she created and scaled one of today’s most sought after brands by saying no to fast fashion. 

RESOURCES

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS . . .

  • How her early interest in fashion manifested in a clear career path

  • How slow fashion and independent design became the pillars of the brand's identity

  • Building the business as a team of 1 from her apartment in a new city

  • The role social media continues to play in brand strategy

  • LSG's growth through pop-up partnerships

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Rooting Your Brand in Community-Engaging Rituals with Crown Affair's Dianna Cohen

ABOUT THE EPISODE

In a notoriously saturated market, new beauty brands need more than just a solid formula to stand out. They need transformative ideas. 

When Dianna Cohen set out to launch Crown Affair, she wanted high quality hair care that was more than just another clean product in a pretty bottle. She wanted to turn haircare into a special moment, rooted in ritual. You know, those little practices that make up the in-between time stamps of the day—those personal moments that help you feel calm, centered, and whole.

Though Crown Affair is relatively new to the market, it has earned a respectable place disrupting the haircare space thanks to its innovative products and Dianna’s commitment to the craft of taking care—both in haircare and business practices. 

On this episode of WorkParty, Dianna shares how she built her business from the foundation of such a personal practice, and why that alone is so important to owning a successful business.


EPISODE TOPICS

  • Taking the Leap: Her Pivot From Levitate to Crown Affair

  • Why Creating a Ritual Has Been Crucial to Her Success

  • How She Knew It Was Time to Build Something of Her Own

  • Utilizing Her Art History Background to Influence Branding

  • Process of Developing Custom Goods vs. Contract Manufacturing

  • Tips and Tricks to Help You Reach Your Hair Care Goals

  • Practicing Mindful Leadership to Improve Company Culture

  • The Power of Community, Connection, and Mentorship

  • Importance of Hiring Fast, Firing Slow, and Finding Seasoned Professionals


RESOURCES


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

7 Easy Ways to Improve Employee Check-Ins for a Happier Team

Never underestimate the power of a simple check-in. It might seem like a small gesture, but check-ins are an essential element of strong communication and can be a source of employee empowerment. While regular check-ins are valuable in all sorts of relationships, when you’re building a business, checking in with your employees not only improves morale but can also drive growth, retention, and long-term success.

1. Practice healthy communication. 

These communication themes can impact a range of outputs, from efficiency to engagement and retention. 

  • Positive: “How’s that report on widget theory coming along—any support I can provide?”

  • Neutral: “Do you have that report on widget theory finished?”

  • Negative: “Where’s the widget theory report I asked for yesterday?”

While all of these questions are driving toward the same topic, the outcomes of those question styles will differ dramatically. Not surprisingly, good check-in outcomes rely on good check-in questions. 

2. DO check in, DON’T micromanage.

While a check-in can be helpful and motivating, micromanagement is often de-motivating and hinders progress. Without thoughtful framing, a well-meaning check-in question could be perceived as micromanagement. For anyone who has worked under a micromanager, you know precisely how much it can erode trust and respect. 

3. Optimize check-in cadence, context, and cause.

Understanding these three key elements is critical to making your check-ins mutually beneficial.

Cadence helps define the value of both the question and answer. If the answer isn’t likely to change since the last check-in, the cadence is too short. Anyone who has been on a long car ride with kids has likely heard, “Are we there yet?” countless times. The more a question is asked, the less valuable it gets.

On the flip side, you can miss a lot of important information if you wait too long between check-ins. If you’re asking how happy your employees are once a year, you’ve almost surely missed opportunities to provide support and guidance.

There’s no perfect cadence for all check-ins or all employees. The key is simply paying attention. Find a cadence that aligns with your mutual goals and adjust as needed.

Context aligns your check-in to the topic at hand, setting your recipient up to give the most relevant and useful response. If you schedule a meeting to ask someone who’s in the midst of a time crunch how connected they feel to their remote peers, that’s an example of poor context. Whereas checking your employee’s calendar in advance and scheduling your meeting with their time in mind sets the stage for a more valuable check-in.

Cause defines the level of discretionary effort and cooperation you’re likely to experience.

If you’re checking in because you want to provide support during a difficult time or on a challenging pursuit, there’s a greater chance you’ll get candid and helpful responses. However, if your check-in exists purely to serve your own interests, it’s less likely to inspire the same discretionary effort.

4. Find your balance.

A successful check-in strategy hinges on the balance of individual and shared benefits. This simple litmus test can help you find that balance.

Are these questions:

  • Asked often enough?

  • Asked too often?

Is this check-in:

  • Contextual to the situation?

  • Relevant to the recipient?

Is this check-in:

  • For my benefit?

  • For my employee’s benefit?

  • For our mutual benefit?

5. Know your data needs.

A successful check-in starts with formatting the questions in a way that helps your employees give meaningful answers. Next, you need to determine what kind of data you’re hoping to capture. 

  • Quantitative Data - Data that can easily be quantified, codified, and viewed in aggregate. Quantitative answers are usually much faster and take less mental bandwidth to give.

  • Qualitative Data - Data that cannot easily be quantified and typically require more time and thought.

To determine what type of data you need, check in with yourself as you’re forming questions:

  • “What do I need to learn from this check-in?”

  • “Why do I need to learn that?”

  • “What will I do with the knowledge?”

6. Standardize your check-in formats.

The number of formats you can ask a question in are almost unlimited, but to standardize the answers, these are some of the most popular and easy-to-digest options: 

  • Open-ended: Do you feel appreciated?

  • Multiple choice: What makes you feel appreciated?

    • a) Positive feedback from my boss

    • b) Positive feedback from my peers

    • c) Raises/bonuses

    • d) All of the above

  • Multi-select: What would make you feel more appreciated?

    • ☑ More schedule flexibility

    • ☑ More praise 

    • ☑ Better benefits

  • Numeric range: On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all, and 10 being extremely, how appreciated do you feel?

    • 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

  • Descriptive range: I feel appreciated:

    • always

    • sometimes

    • never

  • Illustrative/emoji range: Thinking about how I’m appreciated at work makes me feel:

    • 😃🙂😐😕☹️😫

If you’re looking for a laser-focused answer, then it’s only logical to ask it in a quantitative format, such as the 1-10 scale. But that data can only tell you if there’s a problem - not why. That’s where qualitative follow-up questions come in. 

For example, if your goal is improving your team’s remote work experience, follow your 1-10 scale with an open-ended question: “What’s one thing that would improve your remote work setup?” This allows you to see that there’s a problem and start working toward a solution. 

7. Structure your questions to better answers.

The trick to getting a useful answer without burdening your audience is to narrow the response range. You want to narrow the range enough that it makes the question easy to answer, but not so much that you lose the depth needed to move forward.

If you ask a series of open-ended questions, you may find that your employee struggles to answer in good time (or at all). Again, balance—between the type of info you need and the burden it requires—is the key. 

Just remember, whether you’re the CEO or just starting out, we all simply want to be heard. Doing a little work on the front-end to ensure you’re giving your team the best possible employee experience can go a long way in growing your business.  

"A successful check-in strategy hinges on the balance of individual and shared benefits."

About the author: Audra Aulabaugh is the head of people operations at Polly. Over her people-focused career, Audra has built talent acquisition and people experience frameworks to support a variety of tech companies at various stages of growth and scale.  She is passionate about people and creating experiences that allow them to shine and do their best work.

Featured image: Smith House Photo

How to Hire the Right People to Take Your Biz to the Next Level With Founder and CEO of Rowan

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Ask any founder: When you’re running a business, hiring is tough. And hiring the right people to take your business to the next level even tougher.

On average, it takes an average of 36 days to hire a new employee. And filling a position doesn’t guarantee success. Nearly half of all new hires fall through within 18 months.

Thankfully, on this episode of WorkParty, Louisa Serene Schneider shares how she successfully hired the right people to grow her business—and how you can do the same.

The founder and CEO of Rowan, a piercing company that’s reshaping the industry, has hired a team of over 45 employees and has over 700 employees working in studios across the U.S. 

We about about how she built her impressive business, including her hiring strategy, her tips for retaining employees, and so much more

RESOURCES

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5 Takeaways from This Founder's Path to Building a Rosé Empire

Rose Gold Rosé is the third evolution of my career. What I have learned over the course of my career is that passion trumps skill (well most skills, anyway). If you do not have passion for the business you are creating, what is going to push you to the next level? What is going to make you feel better when you miss your son’s football game? Your drive will persevere the challenges you will undoubtedly face as an entrepreneur. But it is ok! Everyday is about learning, developing your passion and earning the title of “expert.” 

You don't have to be an expert but you have to have the passion to become an expert. What started as a rosé to enjoy with my friends has turned into a lifestyle brand with distribution in fourteen states with over 11,000 cases sold and more coming this winter into the first quarter of next year. Throughout my path, I have been lucky enough to be inspired by so many female founders and the below are key takeaways from my experience and path to becoming a rosé boss. 

#1 Passion is a Skill Set

For me, the challenge of an industry I had zero background in — along with no experience in business or ever having been an entrepreneur — was a major mountain in front of me I had to scale. And I did it one step at a time. There was no map, no help, just figuring it all out as I went. There was no other choice — to figure out how to sell this wine or fail. I read everything I could get my hands on about how to start a small business, I have listened to tons of podcasts of female entrepreneurs over the course of the last three years, I have reached out to as many people that I could that were willing to try to give me advice or direction.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to get it done. The lesson here is — you don’t have to do what your degree (or degrees) hanging on the wall says. You can reinvent yourself as many times as you want. It’s never too late to start over or start anew. I was a family nurse practitioner. Then I was a stay-at-home mom. Now I own my own business. It’s wild but you can do it if you really want to and have the passion to do so. 

#2 Surround Yourself with People Who Are Experts 

When I started Rose Gold, I knew what I wanted to create and knew how I could fill a void in the market space. What I didn’t know is how to buy grapes or how to produce a product with shelf appeal. Within the first few months, I surrounded myself with the industry’s best of the best. Together, we built a plan to create a classic dry Provence rosé with a beautiful pale pink in color with aromas of rich, fresh fruits, followed by hints of white flowers and minerals. When approaching the experts, be honest. I walked in with my hands in the air asking for help. What I have learned is that people are attracted to passion. The group we pulled together saw my passion and my drive to build a lifestyle brand centered around spending time with the ones you love and enjoying experiences. Also, take every networking meeting/coffee/phone call, because you never know what connections you’ll make or what small tidbit of information you could takeaway.

#3 Let The Answer “No” Be Your Driving Force 

Don’t be scared of the answer “no,” but rather let it be your driving force. Over the years, I have received valuable feedback and a ton of “no’s.” When I first started, I made a promise to myself to remain authentic in the process of building my brand. With every no, it has further contributed to staying the course. It is easy to get bogged down and discouraged when you are turned away from an opportunity that you thought could work - only use this as motivation to push past it and keep putting yourself out there. Don’t let that one “no” make you think everyone in that office/organization/industry feels the same way. You could easily receive a “no” from one person in the same place, and the next person you talk to says “yes.” Just keep pushing, do not limit yourself, and you’ll find someone to resonate with you. 

#4 Time is Your Most Precious Resource 

As a mother of three and building a business, I have come to realize that my time and schedule commitments are precious. It takes alot to raise a family and build a brand. A mentor once told me, it is ok if you do not get everything done in a day and strive for significance over success. I realized that if I was careful with my time and boundaries I could be significant in my day and then weeks. In order to be present with my kids in the morning, I now wake up an hour earlier. This is my most productive time. 

As a mother of three and starting my business from the ground up, I have come to realize that my time, schedule, and commitments are incredibly valuable. Building a brand and raising a family are not that different, as both require a lot of time, energy, and nurturing in order to be successful. To pass down some wisdom from a mentor, not everything needs to get done in a day and it’s ok to strive for significance over success. This helped me realize that if I’m more mindful with my time and boundaries, I can be more significant in my days, which carries into weeks, and into months. 

When it comes to time, sometimes it requires you and your goals to meet each other half-way. My personal example of this is waking up an hour earlier each day, which allows myself to be present with my kids in the morning. Oddly enough, this has now become my most productive time of the day. This just goes to show that every day is a constant reminder of how precious your time is.

#5 How to Become The Expert 

Building something worthwhile is a marathon, not a sprint. It won’t happen overnight and no one is going to hand you your big break. Just keep going every day and push forward — even on the days you want to throw in the towel, remember you are one-step closer to your goals. When I started Rose Gold, I talked to everyone and read everything. I was not an expert in wine, but more so an expert in what I knew I wanted to build. Don’t forget it takes time. Your empire will not come overnight, but rather soak in every opportunity to further your growth to expert level. I carry around a notepad in my purse and if anyone sparks an idea, it goes down on paper. I now have a collection of over a dozen notebooks all around my house. Write it down, learn your craft and the expert title will follow. 

About the author: Born and raised Texan Casey Barber is a lover of all things food and beverage-related. Falling in love with the South of France on a trip in 2004, Casey founded Rose Gold in 2017, with her first bottles launching to the consumer market in 2018.Casey is a single mother to three children – Sam (13) Charlie (11) and Gigi (9). Outside her love for rosé, Casey’s interests include culinary experiences, travel and tennis. 

6 Tips to Be Productive When You're Working From Home

We’ve all had to rethink how we operate over the past few years, pivot the way we work, and reconsider how our businesses function in this new era of remote work. One of the areas we’ve all had to be most adaptable in, of course, is right in our own homes. We work here, live here, and do almost everything here now. Not to mention, we’ve been challenged with a whole new set of distractions.

But there is good news here: humans are remarkably resilient and adaptable. 

That means there are answers to help us solve at least one of the most pervasive new cultural problems related to being at home: the challenge of overcoming the fatigue that comes with the daily grind. Now that we’ve replaced commutes with endless Zoom calls, Slack messages, and TikTok marathons, you’re likely already familiar with the problem.  

Fortunately, with a little innovation in your relationship to work, you have hope of achieving a healthier work-life balance.

As a co-founder of CAVEDAY, a solution that offers focus as a service, I’ve studied and created new methods to help people improve their relationship to work and master the art of working from home so it feels a lot less like a major exhaustion-driving burden and a lot more energizing. Keep scrolling to find out how it’s done.

Batch & Block

Batch your work as much as you can, especially when it comes to meetings. 

Try to only take meetings during set times, such as only two days a week or only in the afternoons. Meeting culture is not a new problem, and, for many organizations, has only grown more pervasive during the pandemic (hello again, Zoom!). So while it’s not always possible to have ownership over your own calendar, find windows of time to block off for your most important work. 

Once you have your meeting days/times set, during your working days be sure to only check your email once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Start with your most important and the hardest task first. This will make a massive difference in your energy level as you won’t constantly be flipping from meetings to emails to task lists.

Define

Before starting your workday, take a moment to write down exactly what you’re working on. Be as specific as you can. For example, if you have a day of writing ahead of you, putting “write blog post” on your task list isn’t quite clear. 

Ask yourself: What part of the project are you tackling? What does “finished” look like? Is this the brainstorming phase, outlining, or actual writing? How far do you want to get? 750 words? A chapter? Clearly defining your work, in a set amount of time, helps combat overwhelm, and allows you to more simply focus on one task at a time. 

Scope

How long does it take you to finish a certain task such as drafting a proposal or creating a presentation? Over and under-scoping how long individual tasks take is a surefire way to always be “on” and to quickly overtire. 

Knowing how long projects take gives you a better understanding of how to plan your day. To figure out how long things take, start with something you do often. No need to rush, but focus on just that one task and time yourself. 

Then, in the future, you’ll know exactly what kind of time blocks to set to get the job done. 

Take Breaks

Research shows that the brain can’t focus on a task for more than 52 minutes at a time. Mindful and intentional breaks actually help maintain your energy. Just pushing through to the finish line quickly ends in fatigue. 

But, be sure to take breaks wisely. The difference between absent-minded and intentional breaks is that you are making the choice when to stop and how to spend your time. Getting caught in an endless scroll is not a mindful break. Walking away from your desk, stretching your body, or calling a friend is an excellent way to press pause before returning to your work. 

Remove Distractions

Simple in theory, difficult in practice. Removing distractions (like turning off notifications, closing the door, and—dealing with the biggest distraction of all—putting your phone away) is one of the smallest steps we can take in order to avoid fatigue. We are constantly bombarded with interruptions (every 11 minutes on average), so the more agency we have on controlling external distractions, the better equipped we are to stay focused. 

Establish Rituals

One of the biggest and most overlooked changes we’ve faced in the new age of remote work, is the loss of a transition. Remember that good old commute?

The loss of that time that signifies the beginning and end of our workday, such as driving to the office, or riding the crowded subway, held a ton of significance in our lives (maybe even more than we once gave credit). 

Whatever that transition was and whether or not you looked forward to it, it was part of your day and routine. That transition time is precious and must be preserved. It’s baked-in time to prepare for and reflect on your day. Without it, we forget to take moments to pause and we wind up being “on” for much longer than intended. 

While it may seem trivial, establish a new ritual to start and end your day. A walk around the block, your morning coffee with no work, shut down or close your computer at the same time every day, read a non-work related article before leaving your workstation. Doesn’t matter what it is and it can be small, but this will give your brain and body a cue for when you’re working and when you’re not.

Our culture promotes shallow work and we’ve gotten really good at being “busy”. But busy doesn’t mean productive. Fatigue does not have to be a way of life. Instead, mindfully approaching your work and time allows for more spaciousness in other areas of your life. It’s not easy to put these tips into practice, so CAVEDAY memberships intentionally make it easier for people to practice these tips, as it’s all baked right into the service. Trust us, it’s worth the effort to master this new way of life. You might even be astonished by the quantity and quality of your output. 

About the Author: Molly Sonsteng is a producer, experience designer, and entrepreneur dedicated to time well spent and deepening human connections. She’s created countless projects that encourage people to live creative and meaningful lives. A classically trained singer, her professional history includes working for Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, and Daybreaker. She ran a summer camp and a political campaign office, developed a music curriculum, taught preschool, and was the Director of Admissions at a music conservatory. In addition to Caveday, Molly is a cofounder of Madcap Factory, an amusingly eccentric production house helping brands engage their communities.

Use the code CULTIVATE to redeem a free three-hour Caveday session at www.caveday.org/schedule.

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How Dress Up Buttercup's Dede Raad Is Leveraging Social Media to Turn Followers Into Shoppers

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Turning followers into shoppers is no easy feat. 

The savvy social media crowd can spot a disingenuous post from a mile away, so monetizing your account with sponsored posts takes honesty, authenticity, and plenty of creativity.

Which is something Dede Raad, the founder of Dress Up Buttercup, knows a thing or two about.

The blogger works with major brands like Nordstrom and Amazon to sell products to her 1M Instagram followers—and she recently launched her own collection of denim jackets that sold out in minutes.

She was also named one of Fortune’s Top 25 Creators, along with Lil Nas X, Addison Rae, and Benny Drama, a formal recognition of her ability to monetize her platform in interesting ways. 

I can’t wait to chat with Dede about how she’s turned her followers into shoppers, including her go-to KPIs for measuring success and her tips for cultivating an engaged audience.

EPISODE TOPICS

  • The most important KPIs when analyzing content performance and making major business decisions

  • How to leave the comment, likes, and view chase behind

  • Specific strategies to convert followers and readers into shoppers

  • How to diversify your business by launching a product line

  • The data that really matters when launching new content

RESOURCES

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Tips to Building Your Brand's Personality Online in 2022

One of the main ways as a brand that you can differentiate yourself from your competitors is by developing your unique brand personality. Often described as a set of characteristics that shape the way new and existing customers feel about a brand, your brand personality should be consistently executed through every single communication touchpoint. Think about how your brand behaves, what it looks like and what it says.

With increasing channels of online communication, many companies have found it difficult to align all their messaging with their defined brand personality consistently. In 2022, it will be more important than ever to make sure that your unique brand personas shine through so that you can genuinely connect with your audience.

Would you have dinner with your brand?

Think about your brand as a real person. Is your brand the kind of person that you would invite over for dinner? If your answer is no, it might be time to go back to the drawing board to redefine your brand personality. And if your answer is yes, think about if your customers would also be friends with your brand. Find out what your customers value in their friendships and how you would communicate with them.

At Elevate My Brand, we have noticed that some companies really miss the mark when it comes to maintaining their brand personality on their social channels, for example. Here are some tips that will help you maintain a strong brand personality online.

#1 Find Your Friends

No, we’re not talking about the iPhone app. In order to build an effective brand personality, you must put your audience first. This means you will need to get to know your target segments on a personal level. Find out their opinions, their attitudes and their interests. Your main goal while developing your brand personality should be to align with your customer’s preferences. We encourage our clients to personify their primary, secondary and tertiary audiences. These hypotheses, especially in the early days of building a brand persona, should be tested and iterated on throughout the lifespan of the brand. It is the most efficient way to ensure that whatever messaging is created for a campaign will resonate. If your business is new (or you want to change or redefine your segments), your goal should be to really get to know your audience. The best way to do that? Ask! Whether this is a digital survey or social poll, try to ask nuance questions that will help you datafy even the most creative conversation.

For example, if you are trying to determine if one of your brand’s top qualities should be sophistication, pose questions to see if your customers actually value that quality in your brand. One way to phrase this question would be: What qualities are most important to you for our brand, and then offer a multiple choice response. That will allow you to move forward with confidence knowing you are communicating appropriately based on real-time consumer feedback. That’s extremely powerful and is what builds brand loyalty.

#2 Craft a Moral Code

Once you learn about your audience, you should align their values with your marketing campaigns. In 2022, consumers will be more inclined to purchase from brands that speak to their beliefs. In fact, 61% of consumers want retailers to take a stance on social justice issues. After you find out what social justice issues your customers care the most about, match those with the social impact that is authentic to your brand. But be careful, consumers are smarter than ever and can sniff out BS performative campaigns like a bloodhound. Don’t be that brand. We believe corporate social responsibility should be table stakes for a brand these days but it must be 100% real.

Whether your brand reposts content online that aligns with your brand personality or creates original content and campaigns, it’s important that you act on these beliefs. In other words, you can’t just talk the talk. Whether you show your brand values by educating your employees or donating to a cause, it’s important to back your words with actions. Be transformative not performative.

#3 Be Social

After you figure out what and how your brand communicates your values, determine where your brand is sharing. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. That’s a recipe for a marketing disaster. You should only use the social platforms where your target audience is and double down there. For example, if you have a supply chain company, there is real reason to sign up for TikTok unless that’s really where your audience is and you think your brand can create good consistent content there. But, as long as you’re using the platforms that your audience uses and that also aligns with your brand’s personality, your social channels should thrive.

Another consideration are the native tools that your chosen social media platforms offer. For instance, if you have a younger target market and you want to increase engagement on Instagram Stories, think about the different ways that you can use the stickers available to help portray your brand’s unique personality. If you’re using the poll sticker, would your brand ask silly questions or would your brand ask more serious questions? Are you using emojis? R u using abbreviations? Take time to think about the ways each of your brand’s online interactions characterize your brand’s personality and create a guide that would appeal to your audience in the new year.

There is truly no wrong brand personality as long as it does no harm and attracts the customers that you are looking for. After all, 95% of consumer purchasing decisions are based on feelings instead of logic, which is all the more reason for you to do your best to make sure that your brand personality feels “right” to the right people.

Taking the time to do the research and planning that will help build your brand personality might seem daunting with the impending new year. If you need support, Elevate My Brand is currently offering Digital Mindmap sessions that can help frame your brand personality for 2022. Contact us here to set up a meeting today!

"Your main goal while developing your brand personality should be to align with your customer’s preferences."

About the author: With a J.D./M.B.A. from Rutgers University, Laurel Mintz has created an agency serving both startups and blue chip global brands like Facebook, Verizon Digital Media Group, PAW Patrol and Zendesk. Laurel sits on the Board of Directors for NFTE (Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship), the Women Founders Network, and the UCLA Restaurant Conference. She is a mentor for The Women's Global Leaders Initiative and advises LAVA (Los Angeles Venture Association). Her published work can be found in Entrepreneur, USA Today, The American Marketing Association and C-Suite Quarterly Magazine. Laurel and the agency have recently won the W3 Silver Award for the PAW Patrol Road Patrol Campaign, the 2017 Patrick Soon-Shiong Innovation Award, the LABJ Women in Business Award, Comerica and LA Lakers' Women's Business Award, amongst others.

Featured image: Color Joy Stock

How to Set Personal Goals for 2022

As we close out the last few months of 2021, it’s time to prepare yourself to make the most out of the new year. Most people set resolutions for themselves at the start of a fresh year, but to really prioritize success, let’s focus on setting personal goals! Get specific about what you want to achieve and accomplish in 2022: we gathered these handy tips from entrepreneurs that are passionate about helping women succeed to make sure your goals are realistic and attainable and you’ll be crossing them off your “to-do” list in no time!

#1 Know the difference between goals and intentions.

“We’re all about goals, trust. But it’s not where we start. Instead, begin by taking some time to think about how you want to FEEL in 2022 and get clarity on your intentions for the new year. What’s the difference between a goal and an intention? A goal should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebound. It should have a quantifiable number in it and a date by which it will happen. An intention is more of an overarching plan for what you want to bring about.” - Natalie Underdown, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Organizational Psychologist, The Nu Company

#2 Start out by figuring out your big picture needs.

“Intentions should provide answers to the following questions: What feelings would my 2022 best self feel on a regular basis? What overarching impact do I want to make in this new year? What am I ready to let go of? How does my WHY play into all of this? Both goals and intentions are important, but it’s way more effective to start with your big picture intentions and THEN create the specific goals/targets that will get you there!” - Natalie Underdown, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Organizational Psychologist, The Nu Company

#3 Get some accountability.

“Whether it’s simply writing your top 3 goals down on a whiteboard that you see everyday, or telling a couple of your close friends or colleagues your plans, do something that will keep you accountable to your goals. Using affirmative language may also help. For example, instead of saying “I’d like to launch my business by June 2022”, write “I will launch my business by June 2022.” Just seeing or hearing those positive affirmations will give you a boost of confidence and help you believe that you will actually achieve your aim.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

#4 Go from macro to micro.

“Instead of setting one huge goal like “start my own business,” break it up into smaller, actionable steps—with the overarching result in mind. Maybe your January goal will be to register your business with the state and trademark your business name. Then in February, you’ll have outlined a simple-yet-formal business plan along with 5 website pages. And by the end of March, you’ll have the goal to make that website live and launch your business. Getting super specific in the baby steps it takes to hit a bigger, overarching goal will make it feel much more attainable and less overwhelming.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

#5 Be resilient.

“Remember that not everything comes easily—especially when it comes to lofty goals. Before you commit to tackling them, get your mind right! Don’t let setbacks throw you off course. Instead, use your passion and positive mindset to persevere. Accept that reaching your goals is playing the long game, and that any obstacles you overcome will make your achievements that much sweeter in the end.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

About the author: Leila Lewis is the CEO and founder of Be Inspired PR and The Social Remodel, an expert on the business of weddings, social media, real estate marketing, experiential events, and a mother of 4.

About the author: Dr. Natalie Underdown is an executive coach and organizational psychologist. After spending 15+ years in Corporate Leadership and Human Capital Consulting, at companies including Accenture and Live Nation, she founded The NU Company in 2018, a boutique consultancy offering executive coaching, workshops, and people & culture consulting. She artfully weaves psychology, wellness, inclusion, and science-backed strategies together to offer mindful support for the whole person at work.

About the author: Jenna Miller is Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide, a women-owned and operated wedding website that plays venue matchmaker for engaged couples. Working for a bootstrapped small business has taught Jenna a lot about entrepreneurship, the importance of company culture, and embracing a gritty everything-is-figureoutable mentality. After a decade in the wedding marketing trenches, Jenna launched her side hustle Absolute JEM, where she focuses on building bold brands and websites for female-owned small businesses. 

Featured image: Color Joy Stock

4 Important Things to Consider Before Starting a Social Impact Brand

Starting a Social Impact Brand is incredibly exciting and extremely satisfying. It is a great way to educate consumers about important social issues, while also serving as a solution to the problem through your service. Neococo was founded on a mission to create job opportunities for women refugees resettling in the United States. Our for-profit model allows us to continue hiring more women, and our forward integration plan promises the opportunity for growth within our team. Our vision is to create a place where women feel empowered at every level. From creating our designs, to hand embroidering each piece, to the purchase and styling of our products, we believe that the power of the “Neococo woman” is part of every stitch.

#1 Impact First

As a Social Enterprise, impact always comes first. Obviously! As an entrepreneur, you must be able to wear many hats. Sometimes you must be ready to act as a risk-taker, problem solver, or an innovator, all while keeping the mission in your mind even when making hard decisions. We want our products to serve as messengers on refugee rights and the feminine experience, and for the artwork to drive conversations around these issues. Sales of our products not only create equitable job opportunities for the women on our team, they also inspire our consumers to shop consciously so that every dollar spent has meaning. We are delighted to be even just a small (but growing) part of a shifting market culture, where conversations on sustainability and wage equality have driven companies to keep production local and scale; thus increasing more job opportunities and economic growth.

#2 Collaborate (Reach Out Globally)

Merging your efforts with external partners and organizations that align with your mission is a great way to accelerate your impact and drive momentum. Nonprofits especially, are always working on a grassroots level and their involvement on and off the field helps strengthen advocacy voices. Collaborations also create dynamic and cross industry teams forward towards a common goal, ultimately driving even more growth and innovation. For example, our collaboration with the International Rescue Committee during World Refugee Day was a great way for our Neococo team to give back to current refugees. This was especially meaningful because it gave a chance for our current team members to give back directly to those who are currently going through the experience of passing through resettlement camps from around the world. Additionally, partnerships with Influencers and other brands increase brand awareness and foster sustainable growth.

#3 Rally People Around You

When it comes to the modality of social impact, it is truly the work and support of the people around you that matters the most. An entrepreneur can have the ideas and the leadership to rally the team forward, but if there is no community alongside to help make it a reality, there is no scalable impact. A strong community of people who share your vision can help build long term prosperity. To scale successfully and produce consistent results requires a coordinated and cooperative effort from multiple people.

#4 Create Your Own Roadmap For Success 

My favorite part about being a business owner is developing our own company culture. Companies with traditional workplace cultures are often bureaucratic and working in such an environment means structured communication, central authority and decision-making leaving little scope for growth. At Neococo we believe that goals can be met with a flexible work schedule. Investing in our team and encouraging a collaborative work environment ensures success based on the “triple bottom line” (people, planet and profit), and serves both our team (the people benefiting socially) and customers (the people buying). Achieving a healthy work/life balance is an attainable goal in which your team and businesses alike will see rewards. When your team is  balanced and happy, they are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more likely to stay in their jobs. This is especially important when it comes to creating long term job opportunities for populations at risk. 

We believe that womankind radiates beauty and strength. Through hand embroidery, the women of Neococo are able to re-energize the timeless craft and honor the art of the female form. A purchase at Neococo is a gesture of feminine unity — contributing to equity, financial freedom, and hope for refugee women.

About the Author: I started my career in as a Fashion Stylist right out of college and worked my way up as an Independent Costume Designer for films and advertising. It was the most enjoyable experience working in India, where textile design and access to cottage industries allowed me to totally immerse myself in the process. With over 10 years of work experience, I moved to New York and studied Fashion at Parsons, The New School. After graduating I continued to work as a Fashion Stylist. I also found purpose through volunteering my weekends with local refugee groups. As I developed meaningful relationships with the women, I learned about some of the biggest challenges facing refugees including secure housing, adjusting to a different culture, finding a job, surviving on food stamps, and learning a foreign language. This led me to start Neococo in the Fall of 2017.

Featured image: Color Joy Stock

What Do You Do When Friends And Family Aren’t On Board With Your Entrepreneurial/Career Journey?

You've just landed on an incredible new business idea or have a promising job promotion on the horizon, but when you tell your friends and family the exciting news—they are less than thrilled for you. Perhaps they can’t relate to you going out on your own, perhaps their career goals are different from yours...whatever the reason might be, the reality is that it not only stings when you can’t count on those closest to you, but it may also impact your chances for success. So what do you do when friends and family aren’t on board with your entrepreneurial or career journey?

To unlock the most powerful input out there, we tapped into the insights of those who have had plenty of experience going against the grain when it comes to their career choices—20 trailblazing women from the Dreamers & Doers collective. Their perspectives are an uplifting reminder that, regardless of others’ opinions, your journey belongs to you and should be lived out accordingly.

Jessica Sikora

Founder and CEO of SUPERBANDS, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community of hope that lives at the interaction of mental health and music. 

“Find your tribe! You cannot force others to be in your circle if they aren't passionate about it. So go out there and find the people who fire you up. I promise they’re out there!”

Georgie-Ann Getton

CEO of GSD Solutions, a boutique consulting agency.

“Keep going—they will catch up! When I quit my full-time job to pursue entrepreneurship, everyone thought I was crazy. Now they are my biggest supporters.” 

Mimi Bishop

Co-founder of The Resting Mind, a company that propels high-achieving, 40+ women forward.

“Keep going and find the like-minded cohort that will lift you up and help you on your journey. Share little with those who may not be on board. Your dream is at a critical point and it needs to be protected.”

Shivika Sinha

CEO and Founder of Veneka, a capsule wardrobe styling service.

“Ask yourself: how can I see this person's doubt as my greatest teacher? What lessons can I carry with me on my entrepreneur journey?” 

Jessica Kelly

Founder and CEO of THR3EFOLD, a SaaS platform for apparel brands.

“Give them grace and realize they want the most successful, stable life for you. They might see entrepreneurship as too risky. They aren't your customers so don't expect them to purchase. Instead, lean on them for cheerleading, prayer, and encouragement to keep going.” 

Kimone Napier 

Founder of Kimone Napier Consulting, helping business owners hire their dream team.

“Understand that their reactions most likely have nothing to do with you and come from their own preconceived notions or lack of knowledge about your journey. Instead of looking to them for support, find other business owners in your niches and industry to connect with.” 

Brielle Friedman

Founder of Brielle Friedman Coaching, empowering individuals to build lives and careers they truly love. 

“Get clear and stay grounded in your vision. I’ve learned that when friends and family aren’t on board with your entrepreneurial journey or career choices, it has very little to do with you, and almost everything to do with them and their own fears or insecurities.”

Gloria Chou

Founder of Gloria Chou PR LLC, helping early-stage founders go from unknown to being seen, heard, and valued. 

“If your path isn't the one that your friends or family wanted for you, don't ignore it. Instead, think about how there are people in the world who can benefit from you following your true passion and living authentically.” 

Lindsay Gordon

Career coach at A Life of Options LLC, helping analytically-minded people stop doing what they think is “right” and start doing what’s right for them.

“Identify what you want and matters to you so you can make the right choice for you. The more clearly you can articulate why you choose something for yourself, the more you can communicate it to others and have a chance that they'll understand your choices.”

Ada Chen

Founder and CEO of Chuan Skincare, an affordable, handcrafted natural skincare line. 

“Recognize that they might be reacting that way out of fear or concern for you—not because they don't believe in you.” 

Dina Kaplan

Founder and CEO of The Path, a meditation community.

“Tell them that founders are dreamers. We see things other people don't see, and we create the future. It is hard work because we are bringing to life something that never existed before and that perhaps no one has dreamt of in the past!”

Erin Tarr

Confidence Coach at Be the Benchmark, LLC, a coaching and event-based business teaching young girls how to create a life they love. 

“Don't take advice from someone you wouldn't trade places with. If they aren't in the entrepreneurial "arena" also getting their butts handed to them, their opinions shouldn’t be the ones that ring in your ears.” 

Tiffany Pham

Founder and CEO of Mogul, a company that supports diverse individuals and organizations to cultivate meaningful success.

“Find a supportive community of friends, colleagues, or even people on your own team. That will be your community.” 

Grace Blacksea

CEO and Founder at Quench Collective, a community and education platform for modern leaders. 

“Build a community of support. One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with family and friends who aren't on board with your journey is lack of support. If they don't understand, find a community who does and lean into that.” 

Meha Agrawal 

Founder & CEO of Silk + Sonder, a subscription-based mental wellness experience for the modern woman. 


“Know when to respectfully ask for boundaries. Your friends and family are often trying to protect you from something, but if they do not fully understand your vision, they may not see that the reward will one day outweigh the risk.” 

Elizabeth Davis

Investor at Anthemis, an early-stage venture capital firm committed to cultivating change in financial services.

“I’ve made some of my biggest decisions with the 10-10-10 rule—how you think you will feel about your decision in the 10 days, 10 months, and 10 years. When making a leap into entrepreneurship, walk your family and friends through why this is the right choice for you.”

Erika Ferszt

Founder of Moodally, providing science-backed solutions for managing employees’ mood in the workplace.

“Join a group of like-minded individuals who are going through the same process as you. I found wisdom and solidarity by connecting with "strangers" who were able to empathize and share the emotions and rewards that come with this exciting but challenging journey.”

Julia Sokol

Founder and CEO of SassClass, a women’s empowerment dance studio. 

“Surround yourself with fellow entrepreneurs and others who've pursued careers off the beaten path—even if it's through small steps like joining a Facebook group or subscribing to a podcast related to your career or entrepreneurial pursuit.” 

Juliana O'Brien

Founder of Sendhula, a curated e-boutique for bespoke gift recommendations. 

“Take notice of who you spend the majority of your time with. Distance yourself from people who talk negatively or are skeptical, as it may be demotivating. Spend more time with inspiring people and other founders who will cheer you on on your entrepreneurial journey.”

Lis Best

Founder and CEO of Lis Best Coaching for Impact, an executive coach for women changing the world.

“Ask yourself: do I want this person's life? If you're not looking to replicate your friends' or families' experience when it comes to your own life, then thank them for their input and seek out perspectives from people whose journeys you admire.”

 

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community and diverse ecosystem amplifying extraordinary entrepreneurial women through PR opportunities, authentic connection, and All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies extraordinary entrepreneurial women through thought leadership opportunities, authentic connection, and high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and subscribe to their monthly The Digest for top entrepreneurial and career resources.

Trailblazing Women Reflect: This Is What My Younger Self Would Say If They Met Me Today

Wherever you’re currently at in your journey, looking back on where you’ve come from and all that you’ve achieved can be enlightening. You likely have some advice you’d give to your younger self and lessons you’ve learned the hard way. But how often have you considered what your younger self might say to you today after seeing all you’ve accomplished? 

To gain some insight into this question, we tapped into the Dreamers & Doers collective to hear from 31 trailblazing women how they think their younger selves would react to seeing where their paths have led them. Their responses are a reminder that while looking to the future is important, reflecting on the past and acknowledging all you’ve overcome is crucial to finding true joy in the journey.

Monique Guevara

Co-founder and CEO of SoulWell, a boutique digital booking and discovery marketplace.

“You are the woman I always dreamed of becoming—you followed your own path and trusted the process of doing the things that light you up. There are so many paths you could have taken, but it is clear that your impact has been far greater because you chose to walk with purpose and passion as your guides.”

Aura Telman

Founder and CEO of 13thrive, a boutique mindfulness consulting firm helping leaders design workplaces that value and celebrate everyone.

“I am so proud that you continued to be brave and take risks throughout your life and career. I’m amazed that you—a little girl from a small village in Romania—are now living a life you could have never dreamt of in your wildest dreams, building a business helping humans find peace, while staying true to your roots and honoring all the experiences that helped build you along the way.”

Antoinette Alexander Adefela

Founder and CEO of Exp.Design LLC, a creative agency that designs and develops custom learning solutions.

“For all of the times you wrote down your goals, created make-believe businesses, and read success stories in Black Enterprise, Essence, and Ebony—you have exceeded what you could have planned for yourself. You took risks and took action when you were afraid. I wouldn’t have imagined you developing elearning, but it totally makes sense and matches your curiosity, creativity, and love for learning.”

Dorothy Kolb

Founder and CEO of dk east associates, providing fractional CFO services and accounting strategy to small to midsize enterprises.

“I knew it. I knew you could and would do this. You just needed life to show you that you were strong enough, smart enough, resourceful enough over and over and over again until you listened. I, your younger self, knew no limits until you started putting them in place. I’m proud of you and what you’ve accomplished.”

Ko Im

Founder of konakafe, a creative hosting and holistic wellness service.

“You have done so many things. You have come out of your shell. You inspire me. Thank you for taking care of me, your inner child, in your adult healing journey. I feel loved and supported.”

Lis Best

Founder and CEO of Coaching for Impact, the secret weapon for women who are changing the world.

"Wait, what do you mean you didn't get married in your 20s and have three kids by 32?" 

Muirgheal Montecalvo

Founder and CEO of Vacayou Wellness Travel, a wellness travel platform and marketplace.

“You accepted the challenge, worked hard, and you never gave up on your goals of being successful. Dreams do come true when you put your mind to it.”

Thamina Stoll

Founder at Femme Hive, helping young, female professionals feel less overwhelmed in their 20s.

“I am so proud of you for having gone after your big dreams in the most unapologetic and authentic way. It’s comforting to know that all the work I’m putting in now and staying true to myself will pay off eventually.”

Far Momin

Founder at She Plants Love, an artisan skincare rooted in self-love and inclusive beauty.

“I’m proud that you’re comfortable in your own skin. It shows me that I have what it takes to create my corner of joy so long as I continue to believe in myself.”

Alice Braccini

CEO and Founder of Violetta Group, a PR and communications agency dedicated to bringing awareness around creative individuals and companies.

“Wow—you are much more fearless than I thought! I knew you would not become an actress but I didn’t think you’d become an entrepreneur, as I didn't even know what that really means back in 1990s Italy.”

Sonia Byun

Co-founder of Pomcare, an online clinic for common vaginal conditions.

“I’m impressed by how confident you have turned out and that you’ve come to recognize that confidence is not something that you’re born with but rather earned throughout your career.”

Kristine Locker

Founder of LOCKER, a Chrome extension and social shopping platform.

“Look at us go! I would not have expected us to be creating a lifestyle technology company but I am not surprised we are an entrepreneur. I am so proud of how we reinvented ourselves after so many years of feeling so lost.” 

Lori Sussle Bonanni

Founder and Communications Consultant at elssus, LLC, a multi-disciplined communications consulting firm.

“You always did love the quote, ‘Leap and the net will appear.’ It's thrilling you kept that mindset front and center for your 20+ year career. You always had intrapreneurial roles at multinationals where you had to be scrappy and creative. It's no surprise you're thriving as an entrepreneur.”

Arielle Shnaidman

Executive Coach at Arielle Shnaidman LLC, executive coaching for founders and leaders. 

“You have your own business?! You work for yourself?! You're a coach? But you hate sports!" 

Yewande Faloyin

Founder and CEO of OTITỌ Executive Leadership Coaching, a coaching business serving serial high-achievers.

“No way! I can't believe we found something that we are truly passionate about, that we are great at, and that gives us the freedom and flexibility to live anywhere in the world. I am in awe and feel less worried, ready to explore the journey through IT, banking, consulting, business ownership, and beyond!”

Rachel Soper Sanders

Co-founder and CEO of Rootine, a wellness company unlocking better health and daily performance with precision nutrition. 

“I’m so proud of you for taking a seat at the table and voicing your opinions early on. As a founder, CEO, leader, and mom, you are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders to believe they are capable of anything.”

Morgaine Trine

Owner of Honestly Bookkeeping, a bookkeeping and controller services firm helping small business clients.

“You're the type of person I always hoped I'd be. Also, accounting? Really? What happened to all that ancient history stuff?”

Willow Hill

Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder of Scout Lab, a purpose-driven creative agency based in NYC.

“I am so happy that you are proving that making an impact and making money can coexist. Clearly, the old adage of ‘starving artists’ was never real. You’ve shown me that creativity can create abundance.” 

Degelis Tufts Pilla

Co-founder and CEO of TribeTokes, a company creating luxury CBD vape oils, skincare and wellness products. 

“Wow, I didn't see that one coming!"

Lauren Richardson

Founder and CEO of Radiance & Romance, a line of custom art jewelry for those who defy conventionality.

“The only thing you ever wanted to be was an artist. Why did it take you so long to realize it?” 

Jamie Lieberman

Owner of Hashtag Legal, providing legal services to entrepreneurs and creators.

“I am glad you chose to showcase your personality in your business, rather than hiding it. I know you were often told you were ‘too much’ but it looks like you were truly just right.”

Belma McCaffrey

Founder and CEO at Work Bigger, offering coaching and community to high achievers. 

“I’m incredibly proud seeing the career you’ve built for yourself. I’m proud to see that you’ve built a business that’s profitable, makes an impact, and allows you to enjoy life—and that you’ve done so in a healthy way that supports your well-being.”

Jessica Sikora

Founder and CEO of SUPERBANDS, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting positive mental health for teen music fans through wish-granting opportunities. 

“I’m proud that you took the hardest times of your life and the mental health struggles you went through to build the community you once longed for.” 

Ashli Weiss

Attorney at Weiss Law LLP, a law firm helping companies navigate and propel their businesses.

“I had no idea that your bold personality, which often got you into trouble as a teenager, and perceptive instinct, gained from a very humble childhood, could be channeled into building a successful career as an attorney.” 

Shani Syphrett

Founder at Jamila Studio, a business consulting firm for mission-driven creative companies and women of color founders.

“I’m surprised by the portfolio career you’ve built—especially how you’ve balanced corporate work with entrepreneurship. I’m happy that you became successful coloring outside the lines.”

Marla Isackson

Founder and CEO of Ossa, a two-sided marketplace that connects brands with podcast advertising. 

“I’m comforted knowing that you finally recognized that when you follow your instincts and trust your capabilities and experience, you can achieve career satisfaction and success.”

Nina Kong-Surtees

Founder of smART Advisory, serving as a mentor, guide, and resource for mid-career visual artists.

“I’m in disbelief and baffled about how someone with an art history degree could create a business. You’ve paved an uncharted path to building a business to support artists to thrive and continuing your life-long commitment to turn art history into compelling stories and legacies that deconstruct the cultural myth and mindset of ‘starving’ artists.”

Ivelyse Andino

Founder and CEO of Radical Health, working to engage, equip, and empower all people to understand and advocate for themselves.

“Now I understand the bigger picture. All those tough moments I lived through were the driving force to propel and inspire what I’m doing today. I have a better appreciation for those challenging times that started this journey, which ultimately led to creating Radical Health.”

Katherine Sprung

Host and Executive Producer at Sprung On Food, a web series highlighting small businesses in the food and beverage industry.

“You’ve done some pretty cool things! I really thought of my future path as being pretty linear, but it definitely took some really interesting twists and turns. You’ve accomplished things that I would have never thought I'd do!” 

Carolyn Bothwell

Founder & CEO of Freelance Founders, a digital, members-only community and resource hub for the top creative freelance talent from all over the world.

"What is freelancing? I never even knew there was a career path in which I could work for myself and with my ideal clients, and maintain a sense of autonomy and freedom!”

Srujana Bobba

CTO at Librari, a destination for short, mobile learning videos. 

"Wow—what a rollercoaster career you have had! I’m glad that you didn't give up on your dreams and worked hard to achieve them.”

 

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community and diverse ecosystem amplifying extraordinary entrepreneurial women through PR opportunities, authentic connection, and high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and subscribe to its monthly The Digest for top entrepreneurial and career resources.

Brand DNA: Why It’s Important and How to Define (and Stay True to!) Yours

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Your brand DNA is the heart of your identity as a business. 

It establishes your mission and values, makes you unique from your competitors, and gives your customers a reason to choose to buy from you over your rivals.

And if anyone knows how to define a brand’s DNA, it’s Lauren Alexander.

The co-founder and creative director for the clothing line LNA launched the brand in 2006 when she was just 22 years old—with no college education and no experience in the fashion industry.

And 16 years later, it’s clear that she’s found success by staying true to her original vision: to create elevated basics that don’t look or feel “basic” at all. (A feat in an industry predicated on trends!)

In this episode, we chat about how she’s stayed true to her brand’s DNA, avoided pressure to give into fleeting trends, and what the future holds for LNA and the fashion industry at large.

EPISODE TOPICS

  • How a simple white T-shirt served as the catalyst and inspiration behind the LNA we know today

  • What it took to source manufacturers, develop fabrics, and launch the perfect line of elevated basics

  • How LNA's brand DNA was established from the very beginning

  • Why LNA pivoted to a DTC model after 13 years of wholesale only, and how they continue to grow

  • Pivoting from Wholesale to Direct-to-Consumer business model and how to maintain both

  • Utilizing influencer marketing to find brand advocates that truly embody your voice

  • The rise of social trends, and the importance of creating timeless staples

  • What kind of mindset is needed to turn your idea into action

  • The future of LNA and their expansion into more categories

RESOURCES

  • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789)


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

12 New Books Perfect for Your Book Club

Book club picks can be tough. After all, you want to choose a read that's juicy enough to rival the syrah that's flowing at your next meeting. If you’re looking for some recommendations that will impress everyone (even the pickiest bookworms) in your group, then you’ve come to the right place. From a chilling thriller about missing women to an unlikely friendship formed in a library, here are some great reads that will keep the discussion (and wine) flowing whether you're meeting virtually or IRL.

"Shooting Out the Lights" by Kim Fairley

When Kim Fairley was twenty-four, she fell in love with a man who was fifty-seven named Vern. Shortly after getting married, Kim became pregnant, and then things really took a turn. Haunted by Vern’s past, “Shooting Out the Lights” is a mysterious and page-turning memoir that deals with marriage, gun violence, and healing.

"Radiant Fugitives" by Nawaaz Ahmed

Seema was exiled from her family by her father after coming out as lesbian but made a great life for herself in San Francisco working as a consultant for Kamala Harris’s attorney general campaign. When Seema finds herself nine months pregnant and no longer with the Black father of her unborn child, she reunites with her mother and sister. This reunion is far from the comfort Seema expects when the three women confront the past and tension rises.

"Write My Name Across the Sky" by Barbara O’Neal

Gloria Rose is an influencer in her 70s living in the Upper West Side who has everything she could want in life. When her ex is arrested for art theft and forgery, Gloria’s first instinct is to flee before the FBI can put together the pieces and find out she was involved in a decades-old crime. An unexpected visit from her nieces puts that plan on hold. Willow has a failed album and a broken heart, and Sam is close to losing her video game company and the man she loves. Together, the three women must not only confront their problems and rely on each other.

"So We Meet Again" by Suzanne Park

Jessie Kim is laid off for not only being a woman but an Asian woman. After losing her temper and letting everyone know how she feels after being let go, she moves back in with her parents in her hometown in Tennessee. When she runs into her childhood nemesis, Daniel Choi, a lawyer, Daniel offers to help Jessie relaunch her Korean cooking channel, and just after she reluctantly accepts, the rivalry is back on.

"Riding High in April" by Jackie Townsend

A tech entrepreneur attempts his latest creation: COMPASS, an open-source network platform that Microsoft has described as “reckless.” With his reputation at stake, his funds limited, and his relationship at risk with the only woman he’s ever loved. When she shows up in Seoul to be with him during her own self-discovery of who she is, she finds that living in Asia changes her more than either of them ever expected. 

"Dark Roads" by Chevy Stevens

The Cold Creek Highway is a five hundred-mile stretch through the wilderness of British Columbia’s mountains and has been the scene of missing and murdered women for decades with little to no cases solved. Hailey McBride decides to use this to her advantage, believing that if she runs away from home and her controlling police officer uncle, she will have everyone convinced she is just another victim of the highway. One year later, Beth Chevalier arrives in town and gets a job at the same diner her sister, Amber, who was murdered, worked at. Hailey and Beth’s storylines start to merge as Beth tries to investigate the death of her sister, threatening to expose Hailey’s plan. 

"The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams

Mukesh is a widower who lives a quiet life in West London and worries about his granddaughter, Priya, who spends all of her time alone in her bedroom reading. Aleisha is an intelligent teenager who is spending her summer working at the local library and comes across a list of books she’s never heard of. Determined to read every book on the list, Aleisha uses these stories to provide the escapism she needs from her home life. When Mukesh visits the library in an attempt to get closer to Priya, Aleisha gives him a copy of the list, and soon the two form an unlikely friendship.

"Sugar Birds" by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Harris Hayes has been teaching his daughter Aggie all about the northern woods for as long as she can remember. Hoping to help her mother cope with her depression, Aggie climbs a tree to draw a picture of a bird’s nest only to end up causing an accidental fire. Aggie escapes downriver and ends up in an untamed forest praying to never be found. Meanwhile, Celia arrives at a nearby farm and joins the search party for Aggie only to end up in a love triangle with two men.

"The Long-Lost Jules" by Jane Elizabeth Hughes

Just wanting to live a life of privacy, Amy’s quiet lifestyle is interrupted by her half-sister that she’s estranged from, and a man named Leo. Leo believes Amy is the long-lost descendant of Henry VIII’s last Queen, Katherine Parr. Amy thinks Leo is either dangerous or delirious. Harboring secrets of her own, Amy reluctantly joins Leo in an investigation into Queen Katherine’s lost baby only to find themselves not only falling for one another but keeping secrets that could rip them apart.

"Velvet Was the Night" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

Taking place in Mexico City in the 1970s, Maite envies her beautiful next-door neighbor Leonora and the lifestyle she never had. When Leonora disappears, Maite begins to investigate her disappearance at the same time as Elvis, a criminal looking to escape his own life. Soon, Elvis becomes intrigued by Maite in his search for Leonora.  As Maite and Elvis come closer to the truth to what happened to Leonora, they find themselves much closer to danger than they expected.

"The Show Girl" by Nicola Harrison

It’s 1927 in New York City when Olive McCormick arrives to make it as a star in the Ziegfeld Follies. With her wish coming true, the talented dancer and singer becomes enamored with the glamour her new lifestyle has to offer. When she meets Archie Carmichael, it seems like fate. He is the only man who accepts her for who she truly is. However, after his proposal, that acceptance becomes reluctance and Olive must choose between the life she’s always dreamed of and the love that could fade away in a second.

"The Heart Principle" by Helen Hoang

Anna Sun becomes an overnight sensation when a YouTube video of the violinist goes viral. After feeling burned out from trying to replicate the moment she became a sensation, her boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship. Shocked and angry, Anna agrees only to look for the most unacceptable suitors. After a string of failed romantic encounters with a tattooed biker named Quan, Anna finds herself falling for Quan on an emotional level. When tragedy strikes Anna’s family and her life starts to become too much, Anna and Quan realize what sacrifices must be made for them to find themselves and stay with one another.

Image: Courtesy of Garrett Billings

About the author: From upstate New York, Gare has been part of Bookstagram since 2017 where he found a community of people to bond with over a love of reading. Combined with his love of books and movies, he's the guy who loves to create a Hollywood cast as part of the review process for his favorite books. Growing up, he loved thriller and horror movies and could not get enough of the Goosebump and Fear Street books; the Scholastic book fair was his second Christmas. Now as a blogger, he gets the same enjoyment when a nice pile of book mail comes through the door.

Featured image: Color Joy Stock