On February 22nd, we brought our biggest conference of the year to our hometown, Los Angeles. Attendees were armed with their boss babe energy and ready to be inspired by all the panels, keynote, and pop-ups that rocked our socks off. Over a thousand amazing women (and a few men) joined us at the transformed Rolling Greens Nursery downtown for all the mic-drop moments.
We learned from the greatest about everything from how to build billion-dollar businesses (yes, with a capital B) to the future of the wellness industry to what true inclusivity in the boardroom looks like, and so much more. Between hearing from our heroes (hello, Jessica Simpson, Eva Mendes, and Jessica Alba), eating delicious food, sipping on oat milk lattes, shopping the pop-up market, and, of course, snapping the most Instagram-worthy photos, the day was certainly one to remember.
If you missed this one, don’t stress, we captured it all for you. Read on for all the inspirational moments and quotes worth adding to your vision board.
Morning Keynote: On Building a Billion-Dollar Business With Jessica Simpson
Panelists:
Jessica Simpson | Author, Entertainer, and Entrepreneur
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On making mistakes…
"We are all figuring it out and that’s okay—figuring it out is the fun part. It is through the mistakes that we can find the leader within us."
On asking for help...
"It’s important to put ego aside and look to someone who can help guide you who’s really passionate about what they do."
On being generous with compliments...
"I know how good a compliment feels—it can really change your day."
On designing for women of all sizes…
"I don’t ever want to exclude a customer. I’ve been every size there is, and in those moments, I felt I deserved a nice outfit."
On leading a team...
"I have a team of just eight women, and these ladies are all so unique and effortlessly themselves, and in every approval meeting, everyone leaves their ego at the door."
"I don’t look at myself as the boss. In so many ways, they teach me."
On wearing heels...
"The taller I feel, the more confident I feel."
Mirror Mirror: An In-Depth Dive Into the Ever-Evolving Business of Beauty, Health, and Wellness
Panelists:
Monica Veloz | Content Creator
Stephane Colleu | President and CEO, Dr. Brandt Skincare
Sarah Kieny | Senior Director of Marketing, Not Your Mother’s Haircare
Karilyn Anderson | Vice President, Digital, Bliss
Kiana Reeves | Chief Brand Educator, Foria
Moderator:
Sara Tan | Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor at Bustle
On taking risks…
“Sometimes you lose, but you learn.” - Stephane Colleu
On marketing strategy...
"One of our main focuses this year is to create more of an emotional connection with our customers." - Sarah Kieny
On the next generation of shoppers...
“She wants to know the brands and she wants the brand to know her.” - Karilyn Anderson
On building a brand with purpose…
"If you’re making products that are profoundly impacting people's lives in really deep ways, you’ll be successful." - Kiana Reeves
On partnering with brands...
"I’ve been extremely grateful to work with people and brands who want me to be myself." - Monica Veloz
Secure the Bag: How to Pitch for Profit, Raise Money for Your Business, and Land Six-Figure Deals
Panelists:
Lori Harder | Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, and Founder & CEO
Kosha Shah Eisenberg | Licensing and Ventures, UTA Ventures
Shiza Shahid | Co-Founder, Malala Fund, Our Place, & Now Ventures
Raina Penchansky | Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Brand Architects
Sherry Jhawar | Co-Founder, Blended Strategy Group
Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard International
Moderator:
Bhavagna Bhattiprolu | Vice President, Blended Strategy Group
On networking…
“Everyone has access to a network, there isn't a magical one that others have and you don't, you just have to go out and build it” - Kosha Shah Eisenberg
“Everything in my life has come from cold emailing. My business partner cold emailed me and now we own a business together” - Sherry Jhawar
On finding investors…
“Once the big funds miss out on deals with women, they realize they need to start investing in women and take them more seriously.” - Shiza Shahid
On not having it all figured out...
“Something that has freed me recently, and I wish I knew when I first had this idea, was how little people actually know when they launch their ideas.” - Lori Harder
On failing...
“Failure can come in if you only focus on passion. Because even if you have great passion, you still need to get up every day and do the dishes.” - Ginger Siegel
But Make It Fashion: How to Sell Style and Make a Splash in the Fashion Industry
Panelists:
Anine Bing | Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing
Clare Vivier | Founder & CEO, Claire V
Emily Jackson | Founder and Creative Director, IVL Collective/Influencer/Ivory Lane
Rachel Pally | Founder and Designer, Rachel Pally
Denise Vasi | Digital Entrepreneur and Founder, Maed
Lindsay Albanese | Founder & Inventor
Moderator:
Natalie Alcala | Founder, Fashion Mamas
On taking the leap...
“If you know your passion, you can’t fight it. At a certain point, you have to take the leap.” - Clare Vivier
"What’s the worst that can happen? Someone says 'no?' Ask someone else." - Rachel Pally
On building a brand/launching a business...
"You have to have a really good idea and be ready to roll your sleeves up because it’s really fucking hard to build a brand." - Anine Bing
"I just knew that I wanted something that wasn’t out there. I wanted my activewear to be fashion-focused and I didn’t want to compromise." - Emily Jackson
2020 vision…
“I’m constantly reminding myself to enjoy the journey. It’s not always celebrating the shining moments.” - Lindsay Albanese
On self-care…
“Self-care is just as important as that client meeting.” - Denise Vasi
Bossing Up: How to Build a Brand, Market, and Create a Culture That Consumers Love While Making Money
Panelists:
Rachel Curry | Director, Marketing Owned Channels, Volvo
Emily Zwerner | Director, Marketing Communications, OLLY
Dianna Cohen | Founder & CEO, Crown Affair
Kristyn Clark | Director of Brand Communications, Shake Shack
Kim Walls | CEO & Co-Founder, Furtuna Skin
Becca Tilley | Content Creator & Podcast Host, “Scrubbing In”
Colleen Stauffer | Global Business & Creator Marketing, Pinterest
Moderator:
Ali Grant | Founder, Be Social Group
On overcoming the fear of asking for help…
“Ask for help. There are so many people in the industry that seem intimidating, but if you ask for help, they are so willing to give it to you. Don’t be scared to ask for help” - Becca Tilley
On trusting in your own abilities…
“I’ve realized how important it is to trust in your own abilities. You realize no one really knows what they're doing, so when you get comfortable with your skills and start trusting yourself it changes the game.” - Kristyn Clark
On building a brand with purpose…
“Things happen when you know you have an idea you are passionate about.” - Dianna Cohen
On when you feel like a boss…
“When my team gets recognized, I feel like a boss. When the credit goes to them, it makes me feel so good.” - Rachel Curry
On launching Olly in a crowded market…
“Yeah, the category is saturated, but there had been no change. It was a market that was ripe for disruption.” - Emily Zwerner
On transparency…
“Transparency really means having standards and defining standards so you can communicate it in a way that people get immersed in it.” - Kim Walls
On telling your story…
“Tell your origin story. That’s really important when building a brand. It makes it really human and brings the human element to the brand.” - Colleen Stauffer
Triple Threat: Meet the Multi-Hyphenate Moguls Making It Happen
Panelists:
Keltie Knight | ET Correspondent & Co-Creator LadyGang Podcast
Stassi Schroeder | New York Times Bestselling Author, Reality TV Star, & Podcast Host
Gabi Gregg | Body-Positive Designer & Influencer
Mamrie Hart | Comedian, Author, & Co-Host This Might Get Weird Podcast
Rachel Parcell | Fashion Blogger & Designer, Pink Peonies
Alyson Stoner | Actress, Dancer, and Podcast Host, Simplexity
Katrina Scott | Co-Founder, Tone It Up
Moderator:
Reesa Lake | Executive Vice President of Brand Partnerships, Digital Brand Architects
On choosing a multi-hyphen career path…
"A hobby isn’t a hustle, they’re not the same thing." - Keltie Knight
On being patient…
“The glamorous moment is at the end. Don’t feel bad that it will take a long time to get anything made.” Mamrie Hart
On building a team…
"I love to do everything myself, but that is one of the biggest weaknesses of an entrepreneur." - Katrina Scott
“Network, put yourself out there, connect with people. You can’t do it alone, you need to utilize incredibly talented people to get to the next level." - Rachel Parcell
On navigating self-doubt…
“It takes time and patience to make money.” - Stassi Schroeder
On simplexity…
“It was about creating a middle ground. To give a microphone to people doing the real work, I wanted to be able to shift the attention to greater issues.” - Alyson Stoner
On building a community-first brand…
"If you’re looking to be the next Instagram influencer, creating your vision first and letting people get to know you, and launching your product much later, is the best way to go." - Gabi Gregg
Soft Is Strong: How Taking a Softer Approach Can Be Positive and Have a Powerful Impact on Your Career—Powered by Nivea
Panelists:
Noor Tagouri | Rethink Soft Storyteller, Journalist, Touring Speaker and Entrepreneur
Jaclyn Lindsey | Co-Founder & CEO, Kindness.org
Adrienne Bosh | CEO, Activist, Philanthropist, & Entrepreneur
Gina Ybarra | Content Creator, Hunt for Styles
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder & CEO, Create & Cultivate
On leading with kindness…
“When you are leading in a kind capacity, you are more respected. There is an effect on employee engagement and wellbeing when you lead with kindness.” - Jaclyn Lindsey
On positivity on social media…
“I like to share positivity and good energy because I believe it comes back to us.” - Adrienne Bosh
On a strength that is seen as a weakness…
“I am extremely patient and my blood runs slow. People think it's a bad thing, but I just try to think before I talk so I don’t hurt anyone.” - Gina Ybarra
On the future of media…
“Media shapes the way we view people, culture, and society. Because of this, we have a huge responsibility.” - Noor Tagouri
OLLY Office Hours With Antoni Porowski
Panelist:
Antoni Porowski | TV Personality, Actor, Author, and Home Cook
Moderator:
Kirbie Johnson | Reporter and Co-Host, Gloss Angeles Podcast
On pursuing your passion...
"Even if you don’t believe in yourself, know what you’re interested in."
"Work is important but our lives are so fucking short. You’ve got to be passionate about it."
On organically partnering with OLLY…
“We were heading to Tokyo to film Queer Eye and I picked up a sample of the OLLY Sleep gummies because I’m a terrible plane sleeper, and I posted an Instagram story and they ended up contacting me about it because that’s how social media works.”
On meditating each day…
“It’s a little moment with myself where I try to get centered. Five minutes are better than no minutes.”
On social media…
“When you put yourself out there, that part of you is no longer yours. But at the same time, people who are watching want you to be organic.”
On mental health…
“I think pursuing mental health is just connecting with other people and having an empathetic approach.”
My 2020 vision is ...
“Taking what I’ve learned from Queer Eye, in that being of service to others is what my purpose is and trying to implement that in my personal life, working life and making sure that 90% of what I do has meaning and that I’m contributing to the world.”
2020 Vision: A Conversation on Wellness in the New Decade, Powered by iHERB
Panelists:
Britney Vest | Founder, Fitty Britttty, and Co-Founder, Confident Collective
Dr. Deepika Chopra | Optimism Doctor, Happiness Researcher, and Founder, Things Are Looking Up
Lauren Kleban | Founder and CEO, LEKfitKirbie Johnson | Reporter, Producer, & Podcast Co-Host, Gloss Angeles
Kirbie Johnson | Reporter and Co-Host, Gloss Angeles Podcast
Moderator:
Suzanne Hall | Co-Founder and Editor in Chief, The Chalkboard
On body positivity…
“For me, body positivity is truly learning to love yourself every day exactly as you are in this moment” - Britney Vest
On taking work home...
“You're devaluing yourself because you are only paid to work from 9-5.” - Kirbie Johnson
On mental health…
“I learned very quickly to keep blinders on—don’t be in a position where you compare yourself to others.” - Lauren Kleban
On being an optimist…
“Being an optimist doesn’t mean skipping around fields or always having a perfect day, it’s about being someone that sees setbacks as temporary and knowing you have the power to overcome them.” - Dr. Deepika Chopra
Inspired Inclusivity: Creating Cultures and Companies Where Everyone Belongs
Panelists:
Nyma Tang | Beauty Influencer & Inclusivity Advocate
Adrienne Houghton | Singer, Actress, Talk Show Host, Lifestyle Personality, & Entrepreneur
Shahd Batal | Model, YouTube Star, & Influencer
Arnell Armon | YouTuber & Influencer
Sunita V. | Influencer
Moderator:
Randi Bryant | Sista-Intendent, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist
On the future of inclusivity...
"We need to stop taking baby steps. I want to jump, I want to leap. I want to see everyone represented." - Shahd Batal
On having the courage to make your voice heard…
“Anytime that I’ve done something that was genuine, kept it real, that’s when doors would open for me.” - Adrienne Houghton
On representation...
“I think brands really need to look internally and ask, ‘Why haven’t we created these shades? Why are they ashy? And do we have people in boardrooms who can speak up?’” - Nyma Tang
"It definitely helps when you see another person with their confidence and how they represent themself." - Sunita V.
On representation in work culture…
“You’re hiring black influencers but there are no black people on your team. Actually hire us and work with us.” - Arnell Armon
From Side Hustle to CEO: How to Quit Your Day Job and Start Your Biz
Panelists:
Ellyette Gheno | CEO & Founder, BootayBag
Hillary Kerr | Co-Founder & Chief Content Officer, Who What Wear
Marianna Hewitt | Co-Founder, Summer Fridays
Tera Peterson | Esthetician & Co-Founder of NuFACE
Jesse Margolis | Founder, Overheard
Tiffany Paul | Founder & CEO, Slept
Moderator:
Yola Roberts | Host of I Suck at Life Podcast and Senior Contributor, Forbes
On taking risks…
“Taking the risk isn’t always pretty or safe.” - Tiffany Paul
“Don’t sit and ponder too long about what you’ll do, otherwise you’ll never get off the ground.” - Tera Peterson
On raising money...
“When raising money, you should do it slowly—it’s like dating, you have to meet as many people as possible and really get to know who will work for you.” - Marianna Hewitt
On putting in the time…
“You owe it to yourself to make the time for your business and see where it goes.” - Hillary Kerr
On advice for hiring…
“Don’t hire your best friends.” - Ellyette Gheno
On social media saturation…
We are fatigued by all the content we see, but it becomes clearer when it is authentic. -Jesse Margolis
Powerhouse Panel: Meet the Women Shattering the Glass Ceiling and Owning the C-Suite
Panelists:
Suzanne Lerner | Co-Founder & President, Michael Stars
Katie Jackson | Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Jackson Family Wines
Elizabeth Chambers Hammer | Founder & CEO of BIRD Bakery
Daria Burke | CMO, Just Fab
Sona Gasparian | Founder, Persona Cosmetics
Deepica Mutyala | Founder & CEO, Live Tinted
Julie Smolyansky | CEO, Lifeway
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On sending cold DMs…
“You never know who will respond and what it will lead to. That’s how Bobbi Brown became an investor in my company, I just DM’d her.” - Deepica Mutyala
On challenges...
“Every challenge and every lesson is getting you where you’re going.” - Elizabeth Chambers Hammer
On tapping into your community...
“We have ‘Meet the VIP’ events all the time, we bring women into our office all the time and ask them what they want.” - Daria Burke
On self-funding a business…
“We used our savings, we actually had just gotten married and we were saving money for a house, and decided to use that money to launch the business instead.” - Sona Gasparian
On sustainability…
“The reason we do it is because we believe it is the right thing to do.” - Katie Jackson
On building a social conscious brand…
“Think about something you care about, think about something your customers care about, that will be the start of what you can do.” - Suzanne Lerner
On vision for the company…
“The gut is having a moment and there is a party happening in the gut.” - Julie Smolyansky
From Influence to Industry: How These Women Are Turning Their Platforms Into Profit
Panelists:
Tia Mowry | Actress, Chef, Producer, Author, Wife, & Mother
Chriselle Lim | Influencer & Entrepreneur
Heather Dubrow | Performer, Author, Entrepreneur, & Podcast Host, Heather Dubrow's World
Desi Perkins | Digital Content Creator
Jera Foster-Fell | Content Creator
Moderator:
Zuri Hall | Entertainment Reporter, TV Personality, and Actress
On connecting with followers…
“Letting your guard down is when you create magic with your community.” - Jera Foster-Fell
On evolving…
“I don’t like when people say ‘stay in your lane,’ you can be in every lane as long as it’s who you are.” - Heather Dubrow
On where to focus your financial energy…
“Invest your energy and money into the people around you. It’s probably one of the only reasons why I’m still here.” - Chriselle Lim
On staying true to yourself...
“I've never been the person to follow trends, I just stay true to who I am. Everyone is telling you to be a certain way to make money, and I've never bought into that.” - Tia Mowry
“Sharing things that aren't picture perfect is important.” - Desi Perkins
WorkParty Live: Gail Becker, Caulipower Founder & CEO
Talent:
Gail Becker | Founder & CEO, Caulipower
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On raising money…
“Just because you can raise more money doesn’t mean that you should. It’s just going to make you more beholden and tie more constraints on you.”
On hiring...
“One mistake that entrepreneurs often make is that they think they have to know everything. You know what you know and you hire people to fill in the gaps.”
On betting on yourself...
“I took a risk and bet on myself. That’s the hardest part. If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will.”
On working a side hustle and a 9-5…
“I was working in corporate America and worked my way up to the top of the firn and didn't like the view.”
“I left my job and hired consultants, and basically, I paid them to teach me. I knew enough to hire people who knew more than me.”
On double standards...
“One thing I can assure you is there’s no man standing up and saying, ‘I’m worried about being too pushy’.”
On loyalty…
“Loyalty early on means everything.”
Keynote: Eva Mendes & Greg Scott
Panelists:
Eva Mendes | Actress and Fashion Designer of the Eva Mendes Collection in Partnership With New York & Company
Greg Scott | Chief Executive Officer, RTW Retailwinds Inc.
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On career dreams...
“My dream wasn't to be an actress or a designer but to be financially independent.” - Eva Mendes
On failing…
“I don’t believe in failed businesses. When a project isn’t successful, that’s when I learn the most” - Eva Mendes
On affordability...
“I grew up here in L.A., very, very lower-middle-class, and that’s still in me. I’m not a spender, I look at price. I will always be that girl, and I like that about myself.” - Eva Mendes
On finding a niche...
“Do something that you love and do one thing really well. Solve a problem. Don’t make stuff to make stuff, make stuff to solve an everyday issue.” - Greg Scott
“The challenge is to look for something that fills a niche and do it really well. Don't go too wide.” - Greg Scott
On ambition...
"The word ‘ambition’ to me has never been a dirty word. I’m very ambitious but what I am ambitious about changes. It’s always there, it ebbs and flows.” - Eva Mendes
On inclusivity...
"I’ve always thought the fashion industry was a bit archaic in that way. I never understood why there was only one form of beauty." - Eva Mendes
On sustainability...
"In the future, customers will not be buying clothes upon clothes upon clothes." - Greg Scott
Passion, Purpose, & Profit: A Roundtable Conversation on Building Businesses With Love With Lauren Conrad, Hannah Skvarla, & Jessica Alba
Panelists:
Lauren Conrad | Designer, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, & Co-Founder of the Nonprofit The Little Market
Hannah Skvarla | CEO & Co-Founder of the Nonprofit The Little Market
Jessica Alba | Founder, The Honest Company
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On building a team...
"We always look for mission-driven employees. Skill and experience can be learned but attitude and mindset can’t." - Hannah Skvarla
"If you’re really good at your job but you have a bad attitude and you’re not fun to be around the whole office can feel that." - Hannah Skvarla
"Hire someone you'd want to be stuck in an airport with for five hours." - Jessica Alba
On social entrepreneurship...
"If you do care about any social entrepreneurship, it has to be part of your concept from day one." - Jessica Alba
On paying it forward to fellow female founders...
"All you can do is work really really hard to get in a position where you can show kindness to other women." - Lauren Conrad
"Be that shoulder to lean on for the next woman." - Jessica Alba
On being a leader...
"There is no right way. I can tell you I fell on my face many times. I continue to try and learn about how to be a good leader." - Jessica Alba
On opting for a nonprofit business model...
"From day one, we just went after this as a nonprofit. Our main goal was to help women and reach as many as possible." - Lauren Conrad
See more photos from the event!
Photography: Smith House Photo
