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"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

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Making Moves: Award Noms, Podcast Premieres, & Best-Selling Books

Celebrate and learn about the women making moves this week.

Every Friday, we here at C&C like to highlight the best news stories of the week that celebrate women and all of the incredible things they’re doing. Read on for improvements in cancer screenings, well-deserved award nominations, and a brand new podcast!

Shout out to Sandra Oh! Her show Killing Eve received the most BAFTA nominations, coming in at 14 total. Sandra and her co-star Jodie Comer are both up for best actress. Congrats ladies!

Your life is about to get a lot simpler. Lauren Conrad just announced that she will be launching her own weekly podcast. The podcast will be called “Asking for a Friend” and will center around Lauren talking with a specialist from industries like beauty, design, and much more.

Former First Lady turned best-selling author—talk about a hustle! Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming is currently on track to be the best-selling memoir of all time. Becoming was the most sold book in all of 2018, with over 10 million copies sold.

Time to make some changes. The FDA recently proposed that all mammogram providers will be required to notify women with dense breast tissue that they may possibly need additional testing. This would be the first update to mammogram testing in over 20 years.

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Here's Why Lauren Conrad Is Going to Make the Best New Mom

One: She's a powerhouse. Two: click through. 

Lauren Conrad is no reality TV has-been, to say the least. A decade later, and new mama to son, Liam James Tell, the former star of Laguna Beach and The Hills has parlayed a flare for on-screen drama into a fashion and retail empire complete with best-selling novels, multiple fashion lines, and, now, The Little Market, an online fair trade shop empowering a network of global artisans to rise above the poverty line.

Yesterday, the new mom announced the birth of her son via Instagram, with this adorable shot claiming, "and then there were five."

Conrad has spent her post-reality years building a strong brand and name for herself-- and being an advocate for female artisans.  

With The Little Market, Conrad and partner Hannah Skvarla are supporting female artisans around the world by selling their handmade goods to socially conscious consumers who value ethical and sustainable manufacturing, not just stylish design. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership that allows customers to purchase beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces while enhancing the lives of women makers — it’s a far cry from tube tops, spray tans, and beachside boy beef with Heidi Montag and Stephanie Pratt.

Appropriately, the journey to the Little Market began in Africa, home to many of the market’s skilled craftswomen. “When we were trying to come up with the concept for The Little Market Hannah and I were visiting a girl's school in Africa,” Conrad tells us. “While we were there, we had the chance to speak to a lot of the students. When we asked them if there was anything they needed their requests were heartbreaking. Water, vegetables, and a bed. At the very end of our visit it began to rain and the girls started dancing around. The rain meant that they would not have to make their daily four hour round-trip walk to get freshwater and they would be able to read their books in the daylight because they have no electricity and can't study at night.”

Building a marketplace for remote regions devoid of technology isn’t always easy, but Conrad forges ahead with the help of her team. “Language barriers, internet access, long lead times, and customs all can make the process challenging. Fortunately, we have an awesome team who always seems to get it done somehow.”

Moreover, in a culture that increasingly craves fast fashion, it’s all the more important for The Little Market to establish that resonant emotional connection with its audience — to showcase the people behind the product, the lives who benefit from the exchange. “The more a consumer sees value in the story behind the product, the more likely they are to take an interest it where it comes from,” says Conrad, who knows a thing or two about design and manufacturing, herself a Kohl’s fashion mogul. “Continuing to tell these stories and see products for so much more than they appear to be will encourage others to do the same. Whether it's a shoe made from reclaimed plastic or an artisan made product that can help send girls to school, sometimes the message is just as important as the trend.”

"I've learned the value in saying no and learned to delegate."

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As The Little Market continues to make big moves, Conrad navigates the murky waters of being your own boss — she even allows herself at least one day a week off. “Even though you often have to work through the weekend you can give yourself a Tuesday off. It's important to have time to focus on things that aren't work related and to clear your mind. I've found that I'm happier and more productive this way,” advises Conrad, who knits, hikes, and hits the beach with her pups in her spare time and says having a partner has helped her to become more selfless. She’s also learning to be less hard on herself. “There was definitely a point in my life when I took on too much and was burning the candle at both ends. Since then, I've learned the value in saying no and learned to delegate. It can be hard to trust others to work on a brand that you spent so much time on, but you can't do it all,” muses the soon-to-be-new-mama.

At the heart of The Little Market is its mission to support women artisans around the world, but let’s not forget the work that’s left to do right here at home. “Female empowerment means looking at being a woman as a strength not a weakness. Because let's be honest, we are pretty damn strong.”

Photo credit: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

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6 Women Share Their Career Struggles

The only way out is through. 

photo credit: Brooke Lark 

So you can’t ride a horse and drink a cup of coffee at the same time. Neither can we. When it comes to life and career we hold ourselves to tippy-toe top standards. We want to be able to do it all and at the same time too. Newsflash: it’s impossible. 

Even the greatest and brightest among us have faced challenges. Like one of our favorite authors and writers Kelly Oxford who once told us she feels like she can’t forge ahead, “every time I have PMS.” The struggle is real, but you’re not alone. Which is why it's all the more important to share these stories, reinforcing the reality that everyone goes through it. 

Read through how 6 amazing women mitigate the hard points in their respective careers.

Lauren Conrad on how her relationship to her career has changed:

“I've been able to find more balance in my career over the last few years. There was definitely a point in my life when I took on too much and was burning the candle at both ends. Since then I've learned the value in saying no and learned to delegate. It can be hard to trust others to work on a brand that you spent so much time on, but you can't do it all.”

“I’ve learned the value in saying no and to delegate.” 

Tweet this. 

Sarah Michelle Gellar on taking a major risk:

“As my career has shifted drastically that has certainly taken some adjustment. At my age it would have been so easy to just stay and continue an already successful career, but instead I took the leap and try something I had never done before. Its been exciting, scary, rewarding and quite the adventure.” 

Rachel Bloom on a point in her life where she thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’

“I've never fully turned away from the arts, but there were points in college that my self esteem was so low I didn't know if I could make it in this business.” 

Kristen Ess on challenges she’s faced: 

“The hair industry can be very competitive and sometimes nasty. Other hairdressers/colorists will talk about you as if they know you or circulate gossip and it's a bummer. There were many times when I would hear about something ‘about me’ that was so inaccurate or just plain untrue and I had to learn really early to block that out and know that people who participate in that are just not for me.”

Cleo Wade on a point in her life when she thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ 

“I think we all have mini moments of that feeling throughout our day. Our brain is constantly second guessing our decisions. I think you know you are doing something great if you have moments of feeling overwhelmed. 

“You know you are doing something great if you have moments of feeling overwhelmed.” 

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Lauren Paul on the realities of fundraising and non-profits: 

“Starting and running a non-pro:t is incredible but when you sign up for this you have to know that it becomes a 24 hour job. It was important for Molly and I to look at the hours we were pouring into Kind Campaign and find a healthy balance between that and our family, friends and personal lives. It was also important to figure out how we could take some of the jobs we were carrying and bring people on board to help lighten the load. 

All my sisters out there who work in the non pro:t space know how hard fundraising is. There were many points in the first couple years where we were really struggling to get by financially. We would hold grassroots fundraisers with the occasional sponsor. We made a lot of personal sacrifices as a result. Everything changed a couple years ago when we had a huge fundraiser that raised enough money to make all of our programming free of charge for schools. We are proud to say that all assemblies have been free since 2013!” 

Have something you’re struggling with? Share with us in the comments below. It's self-caring. 

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Create & Cultivate 100, Profiles Arianna Schioldager Create & Cultivate 100, Profiles Arianna Schioldager

Philanthropy: Lauren Conrad, The Little Market

The CEO with heart. 

This article is part of our Create & Cultivate 100 List created in collaboration with KEDS, you can view the full Philanthropy List Here

The CEO with heart. 

Lauren Conrad is no reality TV has-been, to say the least. A decade later, and with her first child on the way, the former star of Laguna Beach and The Hills has parlayed a flare for on-screen drama into a fashion and retail empire complete with best-selling novels, multiple fashion lines, and, now, The Little Market, an online fair trade shop empowering a network of global artisans to rise above the poverty line.

With The Little Market, Conrad and partner Hannah Skvarla are supporting female artisans around the world by selling their handmade goods to socially conscious consumers who value ethical and sustainable manufacturing, not just stylish design. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership that allows customers to purchase beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces while enhancing the lives of women makers — it’s a far cry from tube tops, spray tans, and beachside boy beef with Heidi Montag and Stephanie Pratt.

Appropriately, the journey to the Little Market began in Africa, home to many of the market’s skilled craftswomen. “When we were trying to come up with the concept for The Little Market Hannah and I were visiting a girl's school in Africa,” Conrad tells us. “While we were there, we had the chance to speak to a lot of the students. When we asked them if there was anything they needed their requests were heartbreaking. Water, vegetables, and a bed. At the very end of our visit it began to rain and the girls started dancing around. The rain meant that they would not have to make their daily four hour round-trip walk to get freshwater and they would be able to read their books in the daylight because they have no electricity and can't study at night.”

Building a marketplace for remote regions devoid of technology isn’t always easy, but Conrad forges ahead with the help of her team. “Language barriers, internet access, long lead times, and customs all can make the process challenging. Fortunately, we have an awesome team who always seems to get it done somehow.”

Moreover, in a culture that increasingly craves fast fashion, it’s all the more important for The Little Market to establish that resonant emotional connection with its audience — to showcase the people behind the product, the lives who benefit from the exchange. “The more a consumer sees value in the story behind the product, the more likely they are to take an interest it where it comes from,” says Conrad, who knows a thing or two about design and manufacturing, herself a Kohl’s fashion mogul. “Continuing to tell these stories and see products for so much more than they appear to be will encourage others to do the same. Whether it's a shoe made from reclaimed plastic or an artisan made product that can help send girls to school, sometimes the message is just as important as the trend.”

"I've learned the value in saying no and learned to delegate."

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As The Little Market continues to make big moves, Conrad navigates the murky waters of being your own boss — she even allows herself at least one day a week off. “Even though you often have to work through the weekend you can give yourself a Tuesday off. It's important to have time to focus on things that aren't work related and to clear your mind. I've found that I'm happier and more productive this way,” advises Conrad, who knits, hikes, and hits the beach with her pups in her spare time and says having a partner has helped her to become more selfless. She’s also learning to be less hard on herself. “There was definitely a point in my life when I took on too much and was burning the candle at both ends. Since then, I've learned the value in saying no and learned to delegate. It can be hard to trust others to work on a brand that you spent so much time on, but you can't do it all,” muses the soon-to-be-new-mama.

At the heart of The Little Market is its mission to support women artisans around the world, but let’s not forget the work that’s left to do right here at home. “Female empowerment means looking at being a woman as a strength not a weakness. Because let's be honest, we are pretty damn strong.”

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