"Be That Shoulder to Lean on for the Next Woman" and More Empowering Moments From Our LA 2020 Conference
Mic-drop moments courtesy of Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Lauren Conrad, and more.
On February 22nd, we brought our biggest conference of the year to our hometown, Los Angeles. Attendees were armed with their boss babe energy and ready to be inspired by all the panels, keynote, and pop-ups that rocked our socks off. Over a thousand amazing women (and a few men) joined us at the transformed Rolling Greens Nursery downtown for all the mic-drop moments.
We learned from the greatest about everything from how to build billion-dollar businesses (yes, with a capital B) to the future of the wellness industry to what true inclusivity in the boardroom looks like, and so much more. Between hearing from our heroes (hello, Jessica Simpson, Eva Mendes, and Jessica Alba), eating delicious food, sipping on oat milk lattes, shopping the pop-up market, and, of course, snapping the most Instagram-worthy photos, the day was certainly one to remember.
If you missed this one, don’t stress, we captured it all for you. Read on for all the inspirational moments and quotes worth adding to your vision board.
Morning Keynote: On Building a Billion-Dollar Business With Jessica Simpson
Panelists:
Jessica Simpson | Author, Entertainer, and Entrepreneur
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On making mistakes…
"We are all figuring it out and that’s okay—figuring it out is the fun part. It is through the mistakes that we can find the leader within us."
On asking for help...
"It’s important to put ego aside and look to someone who can help guide you who’s really passionate about what they do."
On being generous with compliments...
"I know how good a compliment feels—it can really change your day."
On designing for women of all sizes…
"I don’t ever want to exclude a customer. I’ve been every size there is, and in those moments, I felt I deserved a nice outfit."
On leading a team...
"I have a team of just eight women, and these ladies are all so unique and effortlessly themselves, and in every approval meeting, everyone leaves their ego at the door."
"I don’t look at myself as the boss. In so many ways, they teach me."
On wearing heels...
"The taller I feel, the more confident I feel."
Mirror Mirror: An In-Depth Dive Into the Ever-Evolving Business of Beauty, Health, and Wellness
Panelists:
Monica Veloz | Content Creator
Stephane Colleu | President and CEO, Dr. Brandt Skincare
Sarah Kieny | Senior Director of Marketing, Not Your Mother’s Haircare
Karilyn Anderson | Vice President, Digital, Bliss
Kiana Reeves | Chief Brand Educator, Foria
Moderator:
Sara Tan | Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor at Bustle
On taking risks…
“Sometimes you lose, but you learn.” - Stephane Colleu
On marketing strategy...
"One of our main focuses this year is to create more of an emotional connection with our customers." - Sarah Kieny
On the next generation of shoppers...
“She wants to know the brands and she wants the brand to know her.” - Karilyn Anderson
On building a brand with purpose…
"If you’re making products that are profoundly impacting people's lives in really deep ways, you’ll be successful." - Kiana Reeves
On partnering with brands...
"I’ve been extremely grateful to work with people and brands who want me to be myself." - Monica Veloz
Secure the Bag: How to Pitch for Profit, Raise Money for Your Business, and Land Six-Figure Deals
Panelists:
Lori Harder | Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, and Founder & CEO
Kosha Shah Eisenberg | Licensing and Ventures, UTA Ventures
Shiza Shahid | Co-Founder, Malala Fund, Our Place, & Now Ventures
Raina Penchansky | Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Brand Architects
Sherry Jhawar | Co-Founder, Blended Strategy Group
Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard International
Moderator:
Bhavagna Bhattiprolu | Vice President, Blended Strategy Group
On networking…
“Everyone has access to a network, there isn't a magical one that others have and you don't, you just have to go out and build it” - Kosha Shah Eisenberg
“Everything in my life has come from cold emailing. My business partner cold emailed me and now we own a business together” - Sherry Jhawar
On finding investors…
“Once the big funds miss out on deals with women, they realize they need to start investing in women and take them more seriously.” - Shiza Shahid
On not having it all figured out...
“Something that has freed me recently, and I wish I knew when I first had this idea, was how little people actually know when they launch their ideas.” - Lori Harder
On failing...
“Failure can come in if you only focus on passion. Because even if you have great passion, you still need to get up every day and do the dishes.” - Ginger Siegel
But Make It Fashion: How to Sell Style and Make a Splash in the Fashion Industry
Panelists:
Anine Bing | Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing
Clare Vivier | Founder & CEO, Claire V
Emily Jackson | Founder and Creative Director, IVL Collective/Influencer/Ivory Lane
Rachel Pally | Founder and Designer, Rachel Pally
Denise Vasi | Digital Entrepreneur and Founder, Maed
Lindsay Albanese | Founder & Inventor
Moderator:
Natalie Alcala | Founder, Fashion Mamas
On taking the leap...
“If you know your passion, you can’t fight it. At a certain point, you have to take the leap.” - Clare Vivier
"What’s the worst that can happen? Someone says 'no?' Ask someone else." - Rachel Pally
On building a brand/launching a business...
"You have to have a really good idea and be ready to roll your sleeves up because it’s really fucking hard to build a brand." - Anine Bing
"I just knew that I wanted something that wasn’t out there. I wanted my activewear to be fashion-focused and I didn’t want to compromise." - Emily Jackson
2020 vision…
“I’m constantly reminding myself to enjoy the journey. It’s not always celebrating the shining moments.” - Lindsay Albanese
On self-care…
“Self-care is just as important as that client meeting.” - Denise Vasi
Bossing Up: How to Build a Brand, Market, and Create a Culture That Consumers Love While Making Money
Panelists:
Rachel Curry | Director, Marketing Owned Channels, Volvo
Emily Zwerner | Director, Marketing Communications, OLLY
Dianna Cohen | Founder & CEO, Crown Affair
Kristyn Clark | Director of Brand Communications, Shake Shack
Kim Walls | CEO & Co-Founder, Furtuna Skin
Becca Tilley | Content Creator & Podcast Host, “Scrubbing In”
Colleen Stauffer | Global Business & Creator Marketing, Pinterest
Moderator:
Ali Grant | Founder, Be Social Group
On overcoming the fear of asking for help…
“Ask for help. There are so many people in the industry that seem intimidating, but if you ask for help, they are so willing to give it to you. Don’t be scared to ask for help” - Becca Tilley
On trusting in your own abilities…
“I’ve realized how important it is to trust in your own abilities. You realize no one really knows what they're doing, so when you get comfortable with your skills and start trusting yourself it changes the game.” - Kristyn Clark
On building a brand with purpose…
“Things happen when you know you have an idea you are passionate about.” - Dianna Cohen
On when you feel like a boss…
“When my team gets recognized, I feel like a boss. When the credit goes to them, it makes me feel so good.” - Rachel Curry
On launching Olly in a crowded market…
“Yeah, the category is saturated, but there had been no change. It was a market that was ripe for disruption.” - Emily Zwerner
On transparency…
“Transparency really means having standards and defining standards so you can communicate it in a way that people get immersed in it.” - Kim Walls
On telling your story…
“Tell your origin story. That’s really important when building a brand. It makes it really human and brings the human element to the brand.” - Colleen Stauffer
Triple Threat: Meet the Multi-Hyphenate Moguls Making It Happen
Panelists:
Keltie Knight | ET Correspondent & Co-Creator LadyGang Podcast
Stassi Schroeder | New York Times Bestselling Author, Reality TV Star, & Podcast Host
Gabi Gregg | Body-Positive Designer & Influencer
Mamrie Hart | Comedian, Author, & Co-Host This Might Get Weird Podcast
Rachel Parcell | Fashion Blogger & Designer, Pink Peonies
Alyson Stoner | Actress, Dancer, and Podcast Host, Simplexity
Katrina Scott | Co-Founder, Tone It Up
Moderator:
Reesa Lake | Executive Vice President of Brand Partnerships, Digital Brand Architects
On choosing a multi-hyphen career path…
"A hobby isn’t a hustle, they’re not the same thing." - Keltie Knight
On being patient…
“The glamorous moment is at the end. Don’t feel bad that it will take a long time to get anything made.” Mamrie Hart
On building a team…
"I love to do everything myself, but that is one of the biggest weaknesses of an entrepreneur." - Katrina Scott
“Network, put yourself out there, connect with people. You can’t do it alone, you need to utilize incredibly talented people to get to the next level." - Rachel Parcell
On navigating self-doubt…
“It takes time and patience to make money.” - Stassi Schroeder
On simplexity…
“It was about creating a middle ground. To give a microphone to people doing the real work, I wanted to be able to shift the attention to greater issues.” - Alyson Stoner
On building a community-first brand…
"If you’re looking to be the next Instagram influencer, creating your vision first and letting people get to know you, and launching your product much later, is the best way to go." - Gabi Gregg
Soft Is Strong: How Taking a Softer Approach Can Be Positive and Have a Powerful Impact on Your Career—Powered by Nivea
Panelists:
Noor Tagouri | Rethink Soft Storyteller, Journalist, Touring Speaker and Entrepreneur
Jaclyn Lindsey | Co-Founder & CEO, Kindness.org
Adrienne Bosh | CEO, Activist, Philanthropist, & Entrepreneur
Gina Ybarra | Content Creator, Hunt for Styles
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder & CEO, Create & Cultivate
On leading with kindness…
“When you are leading in a kind capacity, you are more respected. There is an effect on employee engagement and wellbeing when you lead with kindness.” - Jaclyn Lindsey
On positivity on social media…
“I like to share positivity and good energy because I believe it comes back to us.” - Adrienne Bosh
On a strength that is seen as a weakness…
“I am extremely patient and my blood runs slow. People think it's a bad thing, but I just try to think before I talk so I don’t hurt anyone.” - Gina Ybarra
On the future of media…
“Media shapes the way we view people, culture, and society. Because of this, we have a huge responsibility.” - Noor Tagouri
OLLY Office Hours With Antoni Porowski
Panelist:
Antoni Porowski | TV Personality, Actor, Author, and Home Cook
Moderator:
Kirbie Johnson | Reporter and Co-Host, Gloss Angeles Podcast
On pursuing your passion...
"Even if you don’t believe in yourself, know what you’re interested in."
"Work is important but our lives are so fucking short. You’ve got to be passionate about it."
On organically partnering with OLLY…
“We were heading to Tokyo to film Queer Eye and I picked up a sample of the OLLY Sleep gummies because I’m a terrible plane sleeper, and I posted an Instagram story and they ended up contacting me about it because that’s how social media works.”
On meditating each day…
“It’s a little moment with myself where I try to get centered. Five minutes are better than no minutes.”
On social media…
“When you put yourself out there, that part of you is no longer yours. But at the same time, people who are watching want you to be organic.”
On mental health…
“I think pursuing mental health is just connecting with other people and having an empathetic approach.”
My 2020 vision is ...
“Taking what I’ve learned from Queer Eye, in that being of service to others is what my purpose is and trying to implement that in my personal life, working life and making sure that 90% of what I do has meaning and that I’m contributing to the world.”
2020 Vision: A Conversation on Wellness in the New Decade, Powered by iHERB
Panelists:
Britney Vest | Founder, Fitty Britttty, and Co-Founder, Confident Collective
Dr. Deepika Chopra | Optimism Doctor, Happiness Researcher, and Founder, Things Are Looking Up
Lauren Kleban | Founder and CEO, LEKfitKirbie Johnson | Reporter, Producer, & Podcast Co-Host, Gloss Angeles
Kirbie Johnson | Reporter and Co-Host, Gloss Angeles Podcast
Moderator:
Suzanne Hall | Co-Founder and Editor in Chief, The Chalkboard
On body positivity…
“For me, body positivity is truly learning to love yourself every day exactly as you are in this moment” - Britney Vest
On taking work home...
“You're devaluing yourself because you are only paid to work from 9-5.” - Kirbie Johnson
On mental health…
“I learned very quickly to keep blinders on—don’t be in a position where you compare yourself to others.” - Lauren Kleban
On being an optimist…
“Being an optimist doesn’t mean skipping around fields or always having a perfect day, it’s about being someone that sees setbacks as temporary and knowing you have the power to overcome them.” - Dr. Deepika Chopra
Inspired Inclusivity: Creating Cultures and Companies Where Everyone Belongs
Panelists:
Nyma Tang | Beauty Influencer & Inclusivity Advocate
Adrienne Houghton | Singer, Actress, Talk Show Host, Lifestyle Personality, & Entrepreneur
Shahd Batal | Model, YouTube Star, & Influencer
Arnell Armon | YouTuber & Influencer
Sunita V. | Influencer
Moderator:
Randi Bryant | Sista-Intendent, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist
On the future of inclusivity...
"We need to stop taking baby steps. I want to jump, I want to leap. I want to see everyone represented." - Shahd Batal
On having the courage to make your voice heard…
“Anytime that I’ve done something that was genuine, kept it real, that’s when doors would open for me.” - Adrienne Houghton
On representation...
“I think brands really need to look internally and ask, ‘Why haven’t we created these shades? Why are they ashy? And do we have people in boardrooms who can speak up?’” - Nyma Tang
"It definitely helps when you see another person with their confidence and how they represent themself." - Sunita V.
On representation in work culture…
“You’re hiring black influencers but there are no black people on your team. Actually hire us and work with us.” - Arnell Armon
From Side Hustle to CEO: How to Quit Your Day Job and Start Your Biz
Panelists:
Ellyette Gheno | CEO & Founder, BootayBag
Hillary Kerr | Co-Founder & Chief Content Officer, Who What Wear
Marianna Hewitt | Co-Founder, Summer Fridays
Tera Peterson | Esthetician & Co-Founder of NuFACE
Jesse Margolis | Founder, Overheard
Tiffany Paul | Founder & CEO, Slept
Moderator:
Yola Roberts | Host of I Suck at Life Podcast and Senior Contributor, Forbes
On taking risks…
“Taking the risk isn’t always pretty or safe.” - Tiffany Paul
“Don’t sit and ponder too long about what you’ll do, otherwise you’ll never get off the ground.” - Tera Peterson
On raising money...
“When raising money, you should do it slowly—it’s like dating, you have to meet as many people as possible and really get to know who will work for you.” - Marianna Hewitt
On putting in the time…
“You owe it to yourself to make the time for your business and see where it goes.” - Hillary Kerr
On advice for hiring…
“Don’t hire your best friends.” - Ellyette Gheno
On social media saturation…
We are fatigued by all the content we see, but it becomes clearer when it is authentic. -Jesse Margolis
Powerhouse Panel: Meet the Women Shattering the Glass Ceiling and Owning the C-Suite
Panelists:
Suzanne Lerner | Co-Founder & President, Michael Stars
Katie Jackson | Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Jackson Family Wines
Elizabeth Chambers Hammer | Founder & CEO of BIRD Bakery
Daria Burke | CMO, Just Fab
Sona Gasparian | Founder, Persona Cosmetics
Deepica Mutyala | Founder & CEO, Live Tinted
Julie Smolyansky | CEO, Lifeway
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On sending cold DMs…
“You never know who will respond and what it will lead to. That’s how Bobbi Brown became an investor in my company, I just DM’d her.” - Deepica Mutyala
On challenges...
“Every challenge and every lesson is getting you where you’re going.” - Elizabeth Chambers Hammer
On tapping into your community...
“We have ‘Meet the VIP’ events all the time, we bring women into our office all the time and ask them what they want.” - Daria Burke
On self-funding a business…
“We used our savings, we actually had just gotten married and we were saving money for a house, and decided to use that money to launch the business instead.” - Sona Gasparian
On sustainability…
“The reason we do it is because we believe it is the right thing to do.” - Katie Jackson
On building a social conscious brand…
“Think about something you care about, think about something your customers care about, that will be the start of what you can do.” - Suzanne Lerner
On vision for the company…
“The gut is having a moment and there is a party happening in the gut.” - Julie Smolyansky
From Influence to Industry: How These Women Are Turning Their Platforms Into Profit
Panelists:
Tia Mowry | Actress, Chef, Producer, Author, Wife, & Mother
Chriselle Lim | Influencer & Entrepreneur
Heather Dubrow | Performer, Author, Entrepreneur, & Podcast Host, Heather Dubrow's World
Desi Perkins | Digital Content Creator
Jera Foster-Fell | Content Creator
Moderator:
Zuri Hall | Entertainment Reporter, TV Personality, and Actress
On connecting with followers…
“Letting your guard down is when you create magic with your community.” - Jera Foster-Fell
On evolving…
“I don’t like when people say ‘stay in your lane,’ you can be in every lane as long as it’s who you are.” - Heather Dubrow
On where to focus your financial energy…
“Invest your energy and money into the people around you. It’s probably one of the only reasons why I’m still here.” - Chriselle Lim
On staying true to yourself...
“I've never been the person to follow trends, I just stay true to who I am. Everyone is telling you to be a certain way to make money, and I've never bought into that.” - Tia Mowry
“Sharing things that aren't picture perfect is important.” - Desi Perkins
WorkParty Live: Gail Becker, Caulipower Founder & CEO
Talent:
Gail Becker | Founder & CEO, Caulipower
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On raising money…
“Just because you can raise more money doesn’t mean that you should. It’s just going to make you more beholden and tie more constraints on you.”
On hiring...
“One mistake that entrepreneurs often make is that they think they have to know everything. You know what you know and you hire people to fill in the gaps.”
On betting on yourself...
“I took a risk and bet on myself. That’s the hardest part. If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will.”
On working a side hustle and a 9-5…
“I was working in corporate America and worked my way up to the top of the firn and didn't like the view.”
“I left my job and hired consultants, and basically, I paid them to teach me. I knew enough to hire people who knew more than me.”
On double standards...
“One thing I can assure you is there’s no man standing up and saying, ‘I’m worried about being too pushy’.”
On loyalty…
“Loyalty early on means everything.”
Keynote: Eva Mendes & Greg Scott
Panelists:
Eva Mendes | Actress and Fashion Designer of the Eva Mendes Collection in Partnership With New York & Company
Greg Scott | Chief Executive Officer, RTW Retailwinds Inc.
Moderator:
Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
On career dreams...
“My dream wasn't to be an actress or a designer but to be financially independent.” - Eva Mendes
On failing…
“I don’t believe in failed businesses. When a project isn’t successful, that’s when I learn the most” - Eva Mendes
On affordability...
“I grew up here in L.A., very, very lower-middle-class, and that’s still in me. I’m not a spender, I look at price. I will always be that girl, and I like that about myself.” - Eva Mendes
On finding a niche...
“Do something that you love and do one thing really well. Solve a problem. Don’t make stuff to make stuff, make stuff to solve an everyday issue.” - Greg Scott
“The challenge is to look for something that fills a niche and do it really well. Don't go too wide.” - Greg Scott
On ambition...
"The word ‘ambition’ to me has never been a dirty word. I’m very ambitious but what I am ambitious about changes. It’s always there, it ebbs and flows.” - Eva Mendes
On inclusivity...
"I’ve always thought the fashion industry was a bit archaic in that way. I never understood why there was only one form of beauty." - Eva Mendes
On sustainability...
"In the future, customers will not be buying clothes upon clothes upon clothes." - Greg Scott
Passion, Purpose, & Profit: A Roundtable Conversation on Building Businesses With Love With Lauren Conrad, Hannah Skvarla, & Jessica Alba
Panelists:
Lauren Conrad | Designer, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, & Co-Founder of the Nonprofit The Little Market
Hannah Skvarla | CEO & Co-Founder of the Nonprofit The Little Market
Jessica Alba | Founder, The Honest Company
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | CEO and Founder, Create & Cultivate
On building a team...
"We always look for mission-driven employees. Skill and experience can be learned but attitude and mindset can’t." - Hannah Skvarla
"If you’re really good at your job but you have a bad attitude and you’re not fun to be around the whole office can feel that." - Hannah Skvarla
"Hire someone you'd want to be stuck in an airport with for five hours." - Jessica Alba
On social entrepreneurship...
"If you do care about any social entrepreneurship, it has to be part of your concept from day one." - Jessica Alba
On paying it forward to fellow female founders...
"All you can do is work really really hard to get in a position where you can show kindness to other women." - Lauren Conrad
"Be that shoulder to lean on for the next woman." - Jessica Alba
On being a leader...
"There is no right way. I can tell you I fell on my face many times. I continue to try and learn about how to be a good leader." - Jessica Alba
On opting for a nonprofit business model...
"From day one, we just went after this as a nonprofit. Our main goal was to help women and reach as many as possible." - Lauren Conrad
See more photos from the event!
Photography: Smith House Photo
Jessica Alba Has a Crucial Piece of Advice for Your Career
It took getting over this insecurity for Honest to grow.
Photo by Sarah Natasha.
Jessica Alba might be a boss (of a company valued at over $1billion) but she doesn't dress like your average businessman or woman. When she took the stage Saturday at Create & Cultivate she told the audience the story of her first business conference.
"I feel like everyone here will appreciate this. I showed up to my first business conference with my business partner and it was 98% men. I was wearing a Dolce & Gabbana leather mini-skirt-- I had tights on-- and my partner told me, 'This is really inappropriate.' But I said, 'This is my business casual.'"
Jessica being Jessica is a move that paid off. Yet another example of power of authenticity, something that's a through-line of every conference we host.
Interviewed by former Create & Cultivate keynotes Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr the women openly chatted about preconceived notions and how people not taking you seriously fans your flame.
Here are our four favorite takeaways plus one piece of crucial advice every single woman should hear.
NO, THAT'S NOT THE PASSION.
"My journey into entrepreneurship is very similar to a lot of people. I found a need and an opportunity in the marketplace. I wasn't the only one who wanted a healthy, cleaner, high performance product that was beautifully designed, delivered to your door, and was transparent. And had a social mission. I was dreaming up a company I thought should exist and would touch home with a modern person. I went through three years of rejection and running into brick wall after brick wall and everyone in Hollywood looking at me sideways. They all asked me if I could do a perfume, and I said,'No, that's not the passion.'"
MAYBE YOU'RE ON TO SOMETHING
"I went down many different roads. I honed in on the idea. I took a 50-page deck and turned it into 20 pages and asked myself 'What are the essentials you need delivered every month?' The day-to-day stuff."
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS ARE LIKE AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE
"I liken getting into business with someone as getting married right away, without ever dating. It's kind of like an arranged marriage, but you're into it. And you have to have respect with whomever you're in business with. You have to communicate. You have to be in it to win it. It's a real partnership."
THEY CAN'T TEACH YOU THAT IN BUSINESS SCHOOL
"There were people who didn't take me seriously-- pretty much everybody. One investor really didn't value me, the way I deserved to me valued. I could have gone with him and given up a huge chunk of the company. But because I really felt like I deserved more than that-- and I don't even know what it was or why I was so stubborn and resistant to that money, access, and distribution, it just didn't sit right. When I started a company I undervalued how important it is to trust your gut. They can't teach you that in business school. You have intuition and you have to listen to it."
SUPPORT YOUR WEAKNESSES WITH OTHERS' STRENGTHS
"I was super insecure about not having a college degree or a conventional education. And I really thought I wasn't smart or didn't deserve to have a seat at the table. I felt like a fraud in business settings. It took me getting over that for the company to get on its feet. It doesn't matter if you don't have a degree or expertise. Surround yourself with people who have done it before and support your weaknesses with their strengths."
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#CreateCultivateDTLA Quotes To Inspire You This Sunday
Inspiration from amazing boss women at #CreateCultivateDTLA.
Image by Irida Mete.
Can someone take us back to yesterday? Thanks to you and all of our amazing speakers, this Create & Cultivate is definitely one for the books. And even with a little bit of gloomy weather in the AM, Hudson Loft radiated beams from all the inspiring and motivating women that were there to support one another as bosses yesterday.
To keep up with the inspirational vibes from yesterday, we've rounded up some of our favorite quotes from yesterday's panels.
An Honest Look Into the Brand That Is Jessica Alba
The modern multi-hyphenate gives us 5 amazing pieces of advice.
Jessica Alba has been acting since the age of 12 and when her needs as a modern parent and conscious consumer weren’t being met she set out to create a solution. Founder of The Honest Company— a lifestyle brand that started as an online subscription business featuring safe and effective baby, personal care, home care, vitamins and supplements cleaners (10+ products), the line is now sold in over 6,000 locations, including Target and Whole Foods. She also recently launched Honesty Beauty, a comprehensive collection of high-performance skincare and makeup products, backed by the company’s Honestly Free Guarantee that all products are made without questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. She’s on a mission and is the modern version of a multi-hyphenate.
Here are 5 of our favorite lessons from the amazing honestprenuer.
1. WE CALL THEM MOTIV-HATERS
If someone is throwing shade your way because they don’t think you’re experienced enough, or know what you’re doing, use it to your advantage. Listen to Jessica when she says: “It’s hard for people to take anyone seriously who’s never done this before. But that just gave me fire to move forward.” You get to choose whether being underestimated is an obstacle or a motivation.
2. CHANGE BRINGS OPPORTUNITY
Continue to evolve as a brand and a person, it’s something the mom and business woman (and New York Times-bestselling author) knows well: “Every five years I feel like I’m a completely different person.” Most successful entrepreneurs have the ability to be fluid. It’s an attitude that helps them be the change agent from within their organization or business, and out into the world.
3. MANIFEST YOUR OWN SUCCESS
If you want something done, you go out and do it yourself. Even before Honest, Jessica has always been a proponent of creating her career. “I always wanted to be a big action star, to be as relevant as men. I was very aggressive with the vision and manifesting it.” Jessica has told the story many times of how the company got its start. In 2008 she was pregnant with her first child, daughter Honor, looking to find a solution to what she (and many other frustrated parents) saw as a lack in the market. She couldn’t find one brand with all of the safe and effective products she wanted to bring into her home, so she created it.
4. OVERCOMING DOUBT IS PART OF THE WORK
A lot of entrepreneurs talk about blind faith, but even with that faith, their ideas, strategies, and beliefs are tested. And the more successful you become, the more challenges you will face. Belief in your strengths--and knowing your weaknesses--will bolster you when the going really gets tough. Jessica says, “I believed that there was a real opportunity for my idea, but I had to get over my own anxiety about not having the typical business trajectory or schooling and I had to stay focused on the end goal. If you are constantly looking to the left or to the right, you are never going to get to the finish line. Regardless of your obstacles, the challenges you overcame to get to the finish line are going to make you stronger. Find confidence in your journey and don't be held back by your obstacles. And don’t let your failures define you, they actually prepare you for the next step."
"If you are constantly looking to the left or to the right, you are never going to get to the finish line."
Tweet this.
5. WORK HARD, WORK SMART, WORK UNTIL...
We’ve said it once, we’ll say it again. Time spent does not equal success, but successful people put the work in and aren’t afraid to commit to their dream heart and soul. Jessica says, "Don't be afraid to try it. You only have this one life to go out there and do what you can."
Arianna Schioldager is Create & Cultivate's editorial direction. You can find her on IG @ariannawrotethis and more about her on this site she never updates www.ariannawrotethis.com
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What's In Our Bag: Everything You Need for Create & Cultivate DTLA
A fully loaded bag perfect for this fully loaded day.
Designed for the 7am-10pm lifestyle, the 15” Tote from Dagne Dover is the ultimate day-to-night carryall, made with sneaky compartments to keep your essentials in place. And since your day at Create & Cultivate DTLA is going to jam-packed from when you first arrive to when Chelsea Handler takes the stage at 8pm, you want a bag that’s working for you while you work it.
We’re breaking your day, and just what should be in your bag. Sorry, no hot sauce needed.
8:00 AM: You’ve been waiting for this forever!! And it’s finally check-in time! If you already have your badge, head upstairs where you’ll receive your track card, notebook, and pen. Slip that notebook into one of the side pockets. You’ll need it, but right now it’s time to grab some breakfast. Fuel for the day ahead is vital.
9:00 AM: You’ve got your coffee and your track. Find your seat and set-up for the first panel. Pull your phone from the phone compartment, snag a shot of the empty stage, and then get ready for some amazing boss-piration. Which means, grab your notebook, your pen-- from one of the three pen loops, and get ready to put facts to paper.
12:00 N: You’re either heading to your mentor session or to lunch. If you’re going to meet with your mentor pull out your tablet (there’s room for an 11”) and record it. Seriously, this is advice you can’t get anywhere else and you might not be able to shorthand as fast as they’re doling out the goods. If you’re heading to lunch, tuck everything away, and get ready to shake the hand of the creative peer next to you.
2:30 PM: In 15 minutes it’s panel time again. Which means that notebook and pen are about to get another workout.
5:00 PM: Break time! There is so much to during the break. You’ll definitely want to pull out your phone from its pocket, take some Instagram shots (we #regram our favorites) and visit the multiple pop-ups, beauty bars, grab a juice and put it in your bag. We’ve got three keynotes ahead, so you’re going to want something to sip on while they spill their business secrets. There’s a pocket for a “water bottle holder.”
6:00 PM: Jessica Alba takes the stage in conversation with Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr. Pull out that phone and start live Tweeting NOW.
6:30 PM: Rachel Zoe takes the stage in conversation with Jen Meyer. Keep the inspirational Tweets coming. It’s maje. Bananas. Ah-mazing. All of it.
7:00 PM: HAPPY HOUR! Tuck everything away and head to the roof to grab a cocktail, pass out a few business cards from that zip pocket, make a few moves, and use one of the side pockets for the cards you’re collecting.
8:00 PM: Everyone’s favorite comedienne and all-around shero, Chelsea Handler takes the stage. You’re probably going to want to write down everything she says.
9:00 PM: You came, you saw, you conquered-- maybe in heels. It’s a very stylish crew at C & C. If your feet are killing you, grab the sneakers you tucked into the bag. (Yes, there’s room for sneakers) and slip them on. Grab your gift bag, and head home full of knowledge, a side pocket of new contacts, and plenty of info on that tablet.
