Our Favorite Mic Drop Moments from #CCBeautySummit!
Do it like a Beauty Boss.
What does in mean to be a beauty boss? Lucky for you, we're laying the foundation.
Because we spoke all things beauty boss at our #CCBeautySummit with Mary Kay in New York City! Our panelists chatted everything from building a beauty business, starting their career, social media, and so much more.
Here are our favorite mic drop moments from the Beauty Summit!
Never think you’re too good for anything and be humble. We’re in the service industry our job is to make our client feel good. - @justinemarjan
Be cautious of who you follow on social media. Follow people who are going to make you feel good. You have control!
I want my legacy to be being a mom and being a good role model. I want my kids to be proud of me - @MollyBSims
I think when you’re consistent with your work and you’re a good person, then you’ll be able to top yourself. @MakeupByMario
A detox is so important because we’re always comparing ourselves and I think that limits your full potential. @katieaustin
Going bare face is something I do a lot. Having transparency is a way to connect more with your readers. @ColorMeCourtney
“When people say negative things to me, sometimes I comment back and say something positive. You never know what people are going through.” @ItsMyRayeRaye
“We didn’t want to wait for other people’s permission.” - @lindseydayy on starting @CRWNmag
"I love the quote, ‘You can be the juiciest peach out there, but there’s still going to be someone who doesn’t like peaches.'" @AltorreTweets
"It’s always been about, how do I deliver happiness to everyone?" - @gibsontuttle
"I’m a conduit for creativity and I have to be conscious of what I put out. I have to be real because I would never want someone to feel less than because they only get the best me." - @AllyMissLove
"Pick people that’ll teach you and push you to be successful. It makes you better." -- @SHershbergerNYC
Did you join us for our first ever Beauty Summit with Mary Kay? Let us know what your favorite gem of the day was in the comments below!
MORE FROM THE BLOG
Links From Our Group Chat: Janelle Monae's new video, Serena Williams' wedding advice + more!
What we’re LOL-ing about IRL.
Bless the group chat that gets all of us through the work day and keeps us informed on pop culture's latest phenom.
Not sure where to even start with Kanye, but John Legend came through with the most charitable subtweet of all time.
Serena Williams is giving Meghan Markle wedding advice that pulls at the heartstrings.
Janelle Monae's new music video features incredible female-centric visuals. Please enjoy.
Also, we're LOL-ing at the always amusing round up of the 20 funniest tweets from women this week.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Green Queens: Flower Shop Is Creating New Lewks For Cannabis Brands
Green dreams roll thru.
Suzanne Shpall, the Creative Director over at Flower Shop taught us a new word: potpreneur.
It’s exactly what it sounds like, someone who is paving the way in the marijuana industry. Which, is exactly what Shpall and Lorna Donohoe, Flower Shop’s Head of Marketing are doing. Shpall works on designing new looks for cannabis brands, where Donohoe focusing on mainstreaming said brands. The company itself is a branding, marketing and PR agency comprised of entertainment, advertising, social media and cannabis experts. One of their clients is Mr. 4/20 himself: Snoop Dogg.
Donohoe is the former SVP of Global Marketing for Playboy, so controversial topics don’t fall far from her apple tree, but the duo are putting forth amazing creative work for their clients. In many respects, it’s a dream job. A fluffy white cloud of weed smoke where they imagine and execute branding for many of the cannabis brands making their way to market. “Our clients have the dopest product out there,” Shpall says, with, possible pun intended. “With my expertise in compliant packaging and sourcing, FS is able to work with clients to develop innovative packaging options so each of our brands can have product on-shelf that is totally unique to them, and completely compliant.”
Color us green with envy about the job these two Green Queens are doing.
Read on to find out more and why Donohoe calls being named a Green Queen a double-honor.
How did you get involved with Flower Shop?
Suzanne Shpall: About 2 years ago I launched my own edibles brand, called Highland Pantry, and was looking for help with PR / Marketing when I was introduced to Flower Shop. Once I met the team there, I knew I wanted to be involved. Having run my own cannabis brand, I have gleaned a unique understanding of what it takes to build a business in cannabis. Before joining the wacky world of weed, I worked in fashion as a designer, product developer and buyer for a handful of high-end Los Angeles based brands, then moved on to the food industry where I successfully ran my own gourmet, gluten-free cookie business.
Lorna Donohoe: I was running my own consultancy, dipping my toe in the water on a few cannabis projects. I felt like this industry was on the precipice of exploding and this cultural and defining moment only comes along every few decades. I also really believe in the power of this plant from a medicinal and health and wellness perspective, so I basically decided to sell my wine bar and wind down my agency and focus only on cannabis. There weren’t a lot of agencies dedicated to cannabis branding and marketing and it is something the industry really needs. I thought Flower Shop was one of the few that was doing sophisticated work and had a seasoned team so I basically stalked them until they hired me.
What in your background prepared you to work in this industry?
SS: All of my experiences and past careers, from working as a designer to product development and running my own business, have helped me get to this point. On top of all the skills I have from past work, I’ve gleaned the ability to be insanely organized (Im a bit anal when it comes to workflow) and agile when the project takes unexpected turns.
LD: I was the former SVP of Global Marketing for Playboy (who have gaming interests-- casinos and online-- as well as a huge array of consumer products in the market). I also worked with a lot of liquor and beer brands so became very good at working in highly regulated environments as well as helping to mainstream sensitive or adult brands. Additionally, I work in the wine business (just sold my organic wine bar) and feel wine has a lot of parallels with cannabis - agriculture, terroir, tasting notes, clones, appellations, - so I have a perspective and understanding of marketing and branding that is perfect for the cannabis industry.
Was there ever any pushback from people in your life?
SS: The opposite, only constant requests for “samples.”
LD: I think my mom is a little cautious. It took her years to get used to Playboy and understand it was a legitimate and real business. Now I'm like,”Hey mom, I've left booze and now I’m in cannabis.”
”Hey mom, I've left booze and now I’m in cannabis.”
What are some of the exciting projects you’re working on?
SS: Most of my current projects are still forthcoming, so can’t say much. But I definitely have a current fave. I’ve been working with one of the largest distribution companies to develop a brand for them and I can’t wait to see it in market - think ‘90s house parties, DJ battles, and street art.
LD: Honestly, this sounds like such a cliché, but everything I work on is exciting. The whole industry is emerging and it’s chaotic and challenging and thrilling, all at the same time.
One of our clients Heally (getheally.com) is a tele-health company, (founded by women) that gives you on-demand personalized medical visits with a doctor from your phone/ home. It’s a game- changer in the way people see a doctor, but they’re also doing a lot of advocacy work with ex-athletes who have become addicted to opioids and lobbying for research programs as well as efficacy studies. That’s exciting that you can go see a cannabis doctor, the same way you see your GP- for headaches, pain, or whatever ails you.
And some of the brands that we work with like Dr. Robb Farms and Island Cannabis Company are really doing big and innovative work with clean cannabis.
What are the biggest concerns for clients?
SS: Our clients have the dopest product out there. With recreation there is so much opportunity but also so many additional requirements specifically around compliant packaging, which can feel totally daunting. And the stock options out there are super basic. With my expertise in compliant packaging and sourcing, FS is able to work with clients to develop innovative packaging options so each of our brands can have product on-shelf that is totally unique to them, and completely compliant. Banking of course is also an issue, due to cannabis still being federally illegal, so everyone has that cash money on the mind!
LD: It varies - some are concerned with getting socials shut down and the inability to effectively market their brand. Some, with their bank accounts getting closed and others about the cost of becoming legal and compliant, which means they have less money to spend on marketing and product development. Taxes are a big concern.
What are you most excited to see from the cannabis industry in 2018?
SS: Impeccably designed products and rad consumption spaces.
LD: Education and de-stigmatization of cannabis - more women learning about this powerful plant, more females executives and founders - I think the industry is a really great place for women and the future looks great. I also think we will start to see more wellness and medicinal applications of cannabis for seniors, those fighting addictions, chronic pain, and more, which will help with de-stigmatizing cannabis.
Is it cool to see social acceptance? You both live LA and there are shops and billboards about weed delivery programs. It’s a brand new day.
SS: Totally. It’s awesome to be part of an industry’s growth and maturity, to be building brands that will dictate the next generation of the industry. I think with this also comes acceptance of those industry and community members who have been doing this since before it was cool. Growers who have been harvesting since the ‘70s, dispensaries who have been running their businesses in ‘the grey area’ to service their patients for years, paving the way for the mainstream, and advocates who have been pushing for research and acknowledgment of the magic of this lady-plant.
LD: Yes, it’s great but as an industry, there is a responsibility that comes with that - education, inclusion and social justice. There are a lot of people that fought this fight to legitimize cannabis that have not been acknowledged or that have been shut out. There are whole communities that have been destroyed because of the war on drugs. So, we still have a lot of work to do.
“There are whole communities that have been destroyed because of the war on drugs. So, we still have a lot of work to do.”
What are some of the challenges you face as women in the weed biz?
SS: Overall, this industry is a rad place for women to innovate and occupy leadership roles. As this industry grows into itself, I am excited to see women at the forefront.
That’s not to say it’s perfect. I still find myself the only woman in the room at some meetings, and some stereotypical dynamics do still play out. I have been fortunate enough though to surround myself with people who are amazingly creative, supportive and respectful of one another, regardless of sex or race. My boss particularly, Evan Eneman the founder of Flower Shop, is so supportive and allows my team so much room for experimentation.
LD: Often, I'm the only woman in the room at a meeting, but I am used to that from working in my previous roles. I do think this industry is much more open and female-friendly than most though.
Who are some women in the biz that you admire?
SS: This is the toughest question! There are so many..but a quick list:
Ariel Clark - a kickass lawyer making serious moves and advocating for this industry as well as her clients
MissGrass - go read / shop it alllll
Anja Charbonneau - LOVE everything about Broccoli
April Pride - an epic lady-potrepreneur with a super fun brand
My mom, Sherry - the inspiration behind my brand, Highland Pantry, and perfect example of the next generation of this industry / community
LD: There are so many women in this business I admire. I have heard the cannabis industry has one of the highest percentage of female executives and founders. I really admire Ariel Clark and Nicole Neubert of Clark Neubert Law Firm. They’re not only kickass attorneys but they do some amazing pro-bono work.
And Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who is co-sponsoring The Marijuana Justice Act.
What does it mean to you to be named a Green Queen?
SS: My green-dreams come true.
LD: What an honor - and I'm from Ireland so that's a double honor.
Want more from the cannabis culture? Check back on our Green Queens series in partnership with MISSBISH. We'll be featuring a woman in weed per week!
Want even more? Register to participate in the Slack Session co-hosted with MISSBISH. Green Queens in the Cannabis Industry is going down April 25th at 6:30 PST, mark your calendars and sign up here.
MORE FROM THE BLOG
Read Up: Create & Cultivate Book Club Launches with "Her Body and Other Parties"
Eyes on the page.
We're kicking off the new year with a new (old) habit: reading. Good old fashioned page-turning. Every month we'll be picking a new book to read and share across our social channels. We'll be chatting about it in our Facebook Group. We'll be commenting here. It will be positively delightful. The more you read, the more you know.
To kick it off this January we are starting Carmen Maria Machado's “Her Body and Other Parties," the author's debut book of short stories.
A finalist for the National Book Award, the eight fables are a startling and at times unsettling cross between feminist fiction, as the stories deal with worlds in which women literally and metaphorically fade away, and science fiction. While unconnected most of the stories feature queer women. The first fable, "The Husband Stitch," will leave you scrambling to understanding and dying to read more.
By refusing to subscribe to one literary genre, Machado is begging us to ask for more.
Here are some prompt questions to answer as you read:
What do you think Machado's writing is saying about the current state of women in the world?
How do women in Machado's book take up space, both literally and figuratively?
How do you see yourself in the stories?
Which tale most resonates with you and why?
What urban legends do the individual stories remind you of? How have they made you rethink your relationship to those legends?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
The Power of Personalization (And Why It's Not A Fad)
What's your call-sign?
photo by Mark and Graham
Initials. Nicknames. Catchphrases. We’ve all got ‘em.
Maybe it’s a nickname you were given as a kid, and you’ve grown to love. Maybe it’s a motto that you’ve chosen to live your life by. Whatever it may be, there’s a nostalgia that comes along with adopting something that represents you to the outside world.
Back in the day (‘90s babies, we’re looking at you), monogramming was the easiest way for you (and let’s be honest, your parents) to easily identify your backpack in the sea of other Jansport carry-alls.
But as we’ve gotten older (and hopefully more mature…), we’ve brought our desire for product personalization with us. We’ve gone as far as wanting to don our personal branding on denim jackets, leather totes, even bandanas.
What is it that we love so much about adding our personal imprint onto things? Well, think of it like a fingerprint, it’s distinct to you and symbolizes ownership, which frankly, makes us feel special, maybe even a little important.
Mark & Graham, a leather goods and timeless gifts company, recognized the emotional connection we have to adding our emblems on products and capitalized on it, BIG TIME.
Not only do they offer monogramming as an easy add-on to each order, they also make the monogramming options anything but uniform — with over 100 ways to customize each monogram. That’s a whole lot of options and boy, do we love it!
Adding a personal touch to your job application could be the difference between landing the interview and getting stuck in the abyss with all the other generic, predictable resume.
What if we took this same principle and applied it to something maybe a little less glamorous? Say, the job hunt? Or our office? Hear us out for a minute!
Adding a personal touch to your job application could be the difference between landing the interview and getting stuck in the abyss with all the other generic, predictable resumes…. and we don’t want that for you.
So, let’s talk about how you separate yourself from the pack by injecting a little personality! Hint: it’s time to ditch the Times New Roman and shed the frivolous space-fillers.
Jazz Up the Format
Whether they admit it or not, most people are driven by aesthetics. They like things that are clean, curated, and look like a decent amount of thought went into putting it together (it’s why we love Instagram so much). Your resume should be no different. Add personal design touches by mixing up the format, injecting a signature color, or even adding in the logo from your blog you’ve been curating for years.
Want to make design changes, but don’t feel exactly design-inclined? Head to marketplaces like Etsy, where people put their graphic design backgrounds to good use and make one-of-a-kind templates that you can purchase and then populate with your information!
Tailor the Content
You’ve heard it a thousand times, but for good reason. It may take longer, but spend the time editing your resume to best fit the job description you are applying for. Why take up prime real estate on your resume with something that doesn’t pertain to the exact job at hand? Personalize it to the job you are applying for. Everyone wants to feel a little special.
Once, you’ve landed the job…
Personalize your Space
No matter what kind of desk you have -- cubicle, co-working, or corner office, there are ways to make your space say, hey world, this is my little corner of the working universe. Perhaps a Leather Charger Rollup, so no one gets confused about whose is whose. A monogrammed Copper Pencil Cup is also a brilliant idea for making sure you write down your brilliant ideas. (Also serves as a wonderful gift for a co-worker…) And a personal Desk Embosser has the word ‘boss’ in it for good reason.
Tell us, how are you standing out and adding your personal touch to life?
MORE FROM THE BLOG
The 5 Interior Design Instagrams You Need to Follow
Clean space, clean mind.
Clean space, clean mind. We're rounding up five of our favorite ladies who are killing the interior design game.
Whether you want to scroll their feeds for a little #mondaymotivation, or follow them full-time, they've got the eye.
SARAH SHERMAN SAMUEL of @SARAHSERMANSAMUEL
The interior designer and mom makes it look easy... and beautiful. But on her blog she always shares the behind the scenes of making it look so effortless. And she'll help you start small-- like with these DIY copper plant stands.
ELENI of @MYPARADISSI
Sharing design inspo with readers around the globe is what Eleni does on a daily basis. After spending ten years of her career studying and working as an architect, the Crete-born designer behind My Paradissi launched her online paradise in 2010.
AMBER LEWIS of @AMBERINTERIORS
The LA-based interior designer and Shoppe owner knows about hustle. She always knows how to transform a space and is what we call interior design #goals. Oh, and did you know: she got her start when her boss ENCOURAGED her to quit.
LUCY of @THEDESIGNFILES
It's the most popular design blog on the Gold Coast, but we happen to love it on the West Coast. The award-winning Aussie blog will show you the ropes-- from how to craft a space to how to cook a fish. Because if you can't entertain in your awesome space, what's the point?
JUSTINA BLAKENEY of @THEJUNGALOW
Our favorite pattern and plant guru, no interior design list is complete without Justina. With a head for business and bold colors, she's created her own style. And if you want to strike out on your own, take notes. Justina flourishes in the multi-hustle world.
Are you an interior designer? Share your handle in the comments below so we can take a peek!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG.
Links We Love: Why You Should Ask for a Raise, Mansplaining & Weight Discrimination
This week was a doozy so now we're getting boozy.
It's almost October, which means it's almost Halloween, which means WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR NYE?!!
In the meantime, catch up on these links we love from this week's rager news week.
Want a raise? Ask. Research shows you need as many as possible before you hit 40.
Going up in the air? Here's how to get work DONE while you travel.
This is so meta Portandia.
"Women get promoted. Just not women like you.” Weight discrimination in the workplace is real and this woman is over it.
Everyone laughed when Amazon wanted to be the go-to fashion retailer. But Amazon Fashion is laughing now. All the way to the bank. Chachiiiing.
Solange got a new album. Weekend listening parteeee.
One, two, one, two. Mic check and then a fact check on the first presidential debate.
Space race said what? Elon Musk unveiled his plan for colonizing Mars.
Sure, she's got an Oscar. But here is Lupita Nyongo showing us why she should be your favorite rapper.
Melinda Gates, the awesome half to Bill, is going back to her roots and nope, we're not talking about hair.
Need some weekend inspo? Check out this list of women run media companies.
So many bloggers. So much fashion week. So much drama at Vogue.
Just how many times do you think Hillary Clinton has been mansplained over her career? Chime in below and let us know.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Link Up: What we're reading, watching & lovin' for Sept 25
Your weekend reading material right here: Finding love and ditching friends at work, deep thoughts about Kanye, a round of applause for Viola Davis and our founder makes the #Levo100.
Your weekend reading material right here: Finding love and ditching friends at work; deep thoughts about Kanye; a round of emotional applause for Viola Davis, and our founder Jaclyn makes the #Levo100.
Create + Cultivate founder Jaclyn Johnson made the #Levo100 list of trailblazing millennials.
If you’re looking to meet the love of your life at work, try one of these jobs.
But maybe think twice before finding your BFF at the office.
Tiger Beat earns its stripes in a digital age.
A New York Times must-read on America’s toxic work culture and why we need to redefine our ideas of success.
We’re reading up in anticipation of Kanye’s show at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend.
Our Social Media Director Priscilla’s new favorite photo app (and this girl knows apps): Fyuse.
True story: Use your social media followers to pay for clothes at onepiece.com.
Warning: Feels ahead—Viola Davis’s emotional speech after becoming the first woman of color to win Best actress at the Emmys.
And the prettiest toilet paper we've ever seen.
Let's Talk Livestreaming: Periscope, Fashion & the Social Content Shift
Spring of 2015 now goes down in tech history as the advent of “lifestreaming,” or livestreaming daily activity through mobile devices. Meerkat launched in February, and as the official app of SXSW Interactive, quickly became the new social magnet, attracting brands, digital strategists, and early adopters alike. A few weeks later, in March, new-to-market Periscope was dominating downloads. The one-year-old startup which was purchased in January by Twitter in an effort to fight its decline in user acquisition, became the biggest competitor to Meerkat overnight.
Marc Jacobs on Periscope for Resort 2016 (Via Forbes.)
Spring of 2015 now goes down in tech history as the advent of “lifestreaming,” or livestreaming daily activity through mobile devices. Meerkat launched in February, and as the official app of SXSW Interactive, quickly became the new social magnet, attracting brands, digital strategists, and early adopters alike. A few weeks later, in March, new-to-market Periscope was dominating downloads. The one-year-old startup, which was purchased in January by Twitter in an effort to fight its decline in user acquisition, became the biggest competitor to Meerkat overnight.
Lifestreaming: engaging, honest, weird and the future of fashion.
tweet this
Since then, the two live streaming apps have been competing for a very similar user base. Product nuances aside, the rise of live streaming apps like Periscope and Meerkat present unique opportunities for brand integration, influencer access, and social media campaigns. Each platform allows users to create a profile and livestream whatever they want—whether it’s a monologue, a brainstorm, a band practice, or a cultural outing. Pardon the pun, but the possibilities are virtually endless. People watching the broadcast with the app are able to engage in real time: commenting on live broadcasts, asking questions, and liking the content itself. You can replay broadcasts for up to 24-hours and you can see how many people watched your “lifestream.” It’s engaging and honest and weird—all of the things you’d expect from an app that promotes such an intimate user experience.
With help from Twitter, it would appear Periscope is leading the app pack in both downloads and usage. According to Forbes, Periscope currently sees 40 years of content viewed on it everyday, with fashion reportedly one of the most popular subjects. While consumer fashion brands like Target have used Persicope to educate shoppers about its collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer, all eyes are currently on the access livestreaming provides to fashion’s most elite events. Enter NYFW.
As the fashion world and street style aficionados sprawled across the city this past week, the rest of world enjoyed unprecedented access to the bi-annual event that used to be exclusive to the fashion hierarchy. Editors and bloggers are streaming their experiences from various runway shows, while Twitter refers to the Periscope Fashion Week Phenomenon as #FashionUnfiltered. Marc Jacobs famously used the app to showcase his resort 2016 collection complete with a live Q+A post-show in June, and now, for the first time ever, the platform is partnering with Ralph Lauren to livestream the show to the platform’s 10 million users. This is a shameless (and unsolicited plug!) to tune in for the Ralph Lauren show on September 17th at 10am EDT. This is a fashion first, and will surely prompt more creative hacks for the fashion industry to provide consumer access.
Carly Rae Jepsen In Bed With Refinery 29
Livestreaming isn’t a new concept, but making it mobile-friendly provides an unprecedented and global accessibility to major events. NYFW is only one example of how livestreaming apps, and the “lifestreaming” social trend, will shape the future of social sharing and the definition of “behind the scenes.” Editorial platforms like Refinery29 have launched dedicated Periscope shows (“In Bed with R29!”), while prominent food bloggers like @MyHealthyDish_ are leading cooking tutorials. It’s the wild west of video, and anyone with a smartphone can saddle up.
Dana Kelly is a content strategist by trade and subscribes to the notion that life, lifestyle, and the left coast are what matter most. The California native spends most of her days at Mistress, and has a deep love for words, wine, and great in-flight entertainment.
Read Up: Create & Cultivate Book Club
We could wax on forever about the virtues of books: they're portable, they feel good in your hands, they look good in your apartment, they give you a chance to get off the internet—and most importantly—you learn something. That's why we're kicking off Create & Cultivate Book Club! Each month, we'll pick a book (we're also open to suggestions!) and invite you to read along, and in a couple of weeks, we'll check back in to see what you think. At the end of the month, we'll wrap it up and discuss how/if the book was applicable to us and what we were able to apply.
We could wax on forever about the virtues of books: they're portable, they feel good in your hands, they look good in your apartment, they give you a chance to get off the internet—and most importantly—you learn something. That's why we're kicking off Create & Cultivate Book Club! Each month, we'll pick a book (we're also open to suggestions!) and invite you to read along, and in a couple of weeks, we'll check back in to see what you think. At the end of the month, we'll wrap it up and discuss how/if the book was applicable to us and what we were able to apply.
Our first book is The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna. A designer who worked at startups such as Medium, Uber and Mailbox, Elle left her full-time job to become an artist, and first wrote about should and must on Medium. In the hugely popular essay, she defined 'should' as "how others want us to show up in the world" and 'must' as "what happens when we stop conforming to other people's ideals and start connecting to our own." These two concepts are recognizable to anyone who's ever felt like their career didn't match up to who they were, and especially to any entrepreneur who's ever decided to pursue their passion only to hear "Here's what you should do..." a million times.
Through writing, quotes, and illustrations, Elle takes the reader through her journey and offers tips and tools for recognizing the shoulds and musts in their own lives.
We're excited to dive in! If you're reading along, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below or @ us with #ccreadup.
#CreateCultivateCHI City Guide: Sequins & Stripes
By now, you know that we're super excited to head to the Windy City for #createcultivateCHI! We asked C+C Mentor—and one of our favorite Chi-town bloggers—Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes, for some must-see spots while we're in town.
Read below for her top spots from dog-watching to pregnancy cravings and catch Liz in person at Create + Cultivate on August 15th. Ah! So soon!
By now, you know that we're super excited to head to the Windy City for #createcultivateCHI! We asked C+C Mentor—and one of our favorite locals—blogger Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes, for some must-see spots while we're in town.
Read below for her top spots from dog-watching to pregnancy cravings and catch Liz in person at Create + Cultivate on August 15th. Ah! So soon!
Best Saviour for a Sweet Tooth
"Jeni's Ice Cream, Bobtail, and Sprinkles Cupcakes are my favorite spots to curb my sweet tooth!"
Best Street Style Photo-Op
"Chicago is filled with fun street art, skyline views, parks, and cute shops. The Greetings From mural is a perfect photo backdrop."
Best Sunday Shopping
"My favorite shopping spots in Chicago are Oak Street, the shops on Damen Avenue, and the Southport Corridor. Filled with beautiful boutiques, tasty restaurants, and everything in between."
Best Cheat Day Grub
"Two words: Doughnut Vault. My weekend weakness."
Best Long Walk with the Dog
"On most days you'll find me walking our chocolate lab, Webster, throughout Lincoln Park. I love that you get a mix of lakefront, nature trails, and parks all in one."
Best Place for a Coffee Meeting
"I'm always in need of a quick caffeine fix and Heritage Bicycles, La Colombe, Intelligentsia, and Floriole are ideal for a morning meeting or afternoon pick-me-up."
Best Kept Secret
"I don't think many people realize that Chicago sits on the prettiest lakeshore! Our city is lined with beautiful beaches making summer in Chicago the best!"
Follow Liz on Instagram @liz.adams_ for more fun, food, and fashion in Chicago!
C+C Link Love: Vol 1
Sitting poolside for the 4th of July? Vegging out and binge-watching Netflix on the 5th? Here's a roundup of some of the Create + Cultivate staffer's favorite people, places, and things from the week to keep you busy. Enjoy.
Sitting poolside for the 4th of July? Vegging out and binge-watching Netflix on the 5th?
Here's a roundup of some of the Create + Cultivate staffer's favorite people, places, and things from the week to keep you busy. Enjoy.
Jaclyn, Founder
WORKOUT Before or after work? Which is better for your mood and productivity? Fast Company investigates.
READ DryBar's mega-successful founder Alli Webb's beauty & career advice from Byrdie
READ Got a co-worker who's slacking off? Read this.
Linnea, Intern
HIGH TEA Griffith Park just got a new teahouse with epic views of the city!
ADVISE NY Mag asked 25 famous women for the best advice they've ever given or received.
BINGE If you're still binge-watching OINTB like I am, enjoy this.
Jazzi, Editorial Director
DANCE vicariously or go take a barre class in honor of the incredible Misty Copeland's historical promotion to Principal Dancer in the American Ballet Theater.
FOLLOW @unclesamsung on Instagram. He's like @marniethedog's super-weird counterpart.
READ Peter Nguyen's The Money of Art changed the way I think about my creative work—check out his awesome C+C post on self-publishing too!
Priscilla, Social Media Director
WATCH Still celebrating marriage equality! Obsessed with Beyoncé's #LoveWins dance on her Insta!
DOWNLOAD This app might be even more helpful than your tax lady. Keep track of your earnings, income, and expenses with zen99.
LISTEN After three years, we were due for some new Beach House material. Hear "Sparks", the new single off of their upcoming album Depression Cherry.
Hope, Event Coordinator
FOLLOW @jamieleereardin. She is Dior's resident Beauty Artist and her #dailyscribbles will make you want to start sketching ASAP.
DOWNLOAD Whether you love or hate to cook, Forks Over Knives will be your kitchen BFF. It's an app that takes you from boxed macaroni to Rachel Ray in no time.
READ Nice Is Just a Place in France, a hilarious yet hard truth perspective from The Betches (@betches) on “how to win at basically everything” and why just being nice won't cut it. Read it poolside.
Steph, Director of Events
LISTEN to "10,000 Emerald Pools" by BØRNS. It’s bringing me to zen.
FOLLOW Linda Kim (@itslindak). She is the raddest, baddest, sweetest chic with an eye for design.
READ Los Angeles Stories by Ry Cooder. It's an L.A. noir mystery series and a must-read.