Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Shani Darden

Shani “The Skin Whisperer” Darden is, hands down, the most sought-after esthetician in Hollywood. With a client list that includes A-listers by the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and January Jones, it’s no wonder getting an appointment at her recently opened skincare studio in Beverly Hills is nearly impossible. 

To the joy of skincare fanatics, Darden started bottling her cult retinol serum in 2013. And she’s since launched an everyday skincare line, complete with a cleanser, moisturizer, and toning essence, that makes getting glowing skin attainable for those who may not be able to snag a one-on-one appointment with the esthetician to the stars.

Here, Darden generously offers insight into her success, including her strategy for turning every challenge into a valuable learning experience, her decision to launch a skincare line, and her process for developing new products that stand apart from the rest.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: After years of working as Hollywood's hottest esthetician, you decided to launch your own skincare line in 2013. What was the catalyst for this decision? How has your brand changed over the years?

SHANI DARDEN: I launched my Retinol Reform six years ago, and then, last year, expanded the line by launching Texture Reform, which is a gentler retinyl palmitate serum. I realized that some of my clients with sensitive skin couldn’t tolerate retinol so I wanted to develop a serum that would work great for their skin too. After I launched Texture Reform, I released Daily Cleansing Serum, Daily Toning Essence, and Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer. These are meant to be your daily skincare essentials to supplement your treatment products.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

Every bump in the road has been an incredible learning experience. I think those moments are invaluable because they help you better understand what does and doesn’t work.

What do you wish your younger self knew when you were first starting out in the beauty industry?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks. Be your most authentic self!

When developing your skincare line how did you make sure it would stand apart from other products out there? How do you keep growing your brand?

Every product that I make, I test for so long, as well as test it with my team and my clients.

For many years, I’ve been working with different ages, ethnicities, and skin types. I’ve tried so many different ingredients and formulas and have been able to really determine what works best for all different types of skin and why. I have taken all of that knowledge and put it into my own skincare line.

My focus has been on developing products with the most efficacious ingredients to address the concerns that I’ve heard about from clients and customers over the years. An amazing treatment product can make all of the difference in your skin. A powerful treatment product that uses really effective ingredients paired with the staples like a great cleanser and moisturizer can transform your skin.

What changes do you hope to see in the beauty industry in the future?

My philosophy is: less is more. I think we are overdoing it with skincare. There’s a machine for everything now, and I hope we get back to a place where we aren’t doing as much because it can damage your skin.

What is your best social media advice?

Bring value to everything you put out there.

You are an esthetician to the stars. Has who you work with, changed the way you do things? Do you feel your clients have helped shape your success?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have some truly amazing clients with me from the very beginning. Amazing clients have led to amazing referrals, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks. Be your most authentic self!”

Where do you find the most inspiration? What drives your passion?

Everything I do is for my two daughters. They are my greatest inspiration.

Your new Beverly Hills studio gained a lot of media attention, as you move into this new chapter what's next for your brand?

I have several innovative products in development that we will be launching in the near future. Content creation is always top of mind for me as well. My new studio is the perfect space for me to be creating content to continue to help people all over the world!

How do you define beauty? What makes you feel beautiful?

Feeling confident in my own skin is what makes me feel beautiful.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Entertainment: Ally Maki

Ally Maki knows firsthand that representation matters.

When she was younger, she joined club after club in search of a community where she felt seen—but they all came up short. Which is why the actress (who you no doubt recognize from popular TV shows like “Cloak & Dagger,” “Dear White People,” and “Wrecked” and whose voice you know as Giggles from “Toy Story 4”) founded Asian American Girl Club, an apparel company that celebrates Asian American women.

But this is about so much more than just apparel. Maki has launched a movement. A global community has rallied around AAGC’s culture-pushing content that is “dedicated to the normalization of the next generation of AAPI gals and boss babes,” as their mission so aptly puts it. Maki is giving the next generation a platform and a voice—and she’s just getting started.

Ahead, the actor tells Create & Cultivate all about her plans to carve out the career of her dreams and empower women like herself, how she handles failure, and her #1 piece of advice for aspiring actresses starting out today.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You started doing musical theatre when you were six but you’ve also worked in the journalism field and even performed in a band. How did you settle on acting as a career? What did it take to get to where you are today? Was Hollywood receptive or have you had to fight for your spot? Why?

ALLY MAKI: I've had a love for performing since before I can remember. I was the kid who put on very detailed musical puppet shows from my bedroom but would be completely silent at school. I was insufferably shy. My parents were extremely supportive and really allowed me to try everything as a kid, even when we all knew it wasn't going to be "my thing." Sports was a total disaster. But I always got to try, which was important. When I started doing theater, everything started to make sense for me. It was the one place where I felt like I could be as crazy and weird as I wanted without any judgment. I think that passion and want for a safe space are what has always kept me going through any situation I’ve faced. It will always be fuel for me.

You recently landed the part of Giggle McDimples in “Toy Story 4.” We read that you were a huge fan growing up and that it was one of the first films you saw in a movie theater, what was your first memory of seeing “Toy Story?” Can you talk through why and how this movie impacted you? And how did this character Giggle allow you to unlock your true potential?

Friendships create the baseline foundation for a person’s life, especially during childhood. “Toy Story” as a franchise has taught me so much about friendship, purpose, and identity. I remember my mom had this huge basket that when you opened the top, was just filled to the brim with old school clam shell Disney VHS boxes. It was like a real-life treasure chest. “Toy Story” was the film that played on repeat all day long.

Animation hits in a way for underrepresented kids that’s insanely powerful. When you don’t see people who look like you on screen, you find yourself desperately searching for representation in any format. Characters like Buzz, Woody or Slinky Dog defied stereotypes and created heroes that looked as imaginative as we wanted. Anybody could find comfort in Rex’s anxiety. We saw ourselves in Hamm’s wisecracking wit. Giggle shows me how to use my voice in a big way even when I feel small. And we all know at the end of the day that these characters would be there for us at any moment.

“If I’m not vocal about my unique experiences, there is no one else who can tell them.”

You’re also on a lot of the merchandise, and you now have little girls dressing up as you. What does that mean for you to see that? How will that impact generations coming up behind you and why is that visibility important?

It really means everything. Seeing little girls dressing up as Giggle during the release of the film was absolutely one of the most emotional experiences. It’s a hard feeling to describe. I found it fascinating that through all the brilliant minds at Pixar who helped to create this character, a new iteration of what is possible was put into existence. I love that girls can now say “of course I can be police chief, duh.” This is what TV/film characters do. They can change culture in an instant. I remember a moment that really got me, a mom had sent me a message on Instagram saying that her 6-year-old Asian American daughter had just seen the film and told her excitedly, “Giggle looks like me.” She’s making that connection. It’s moments like these where you feel it on a massive level.

As one of the few South Asian actors in Hollywood what are some of the biggest challenges, you've faced as an actor? Do you think this is changing? And what more needs to be done?

I moved to L.A. when I was a teenager, and by the time I was in my early 20s, I remember feeling so burnt out. The industry was a massively different place than the awesome little musical theater camps I grew up in. All of a sudden, we were being categorized and put into separate boxes based upon factors like appearance and ethnicity. At 14 years old, it did a doozy on my self-worth. I internalized it in a way that went far past auditioning—I told myself I could never play or deserve to be a leading character. Even in real life. Half of my inner battle has been really reprogramming my own psyche. Finding and nurturing young talent in front of and behind the screen is so important. It’s about creating that pipeline of creativity.

You're the founder of Asian American Girl Club, so when you're not busy filming, you're working tirelessly to inspire Asian American girls and women to not be afraid to use their voices and be proud of who they are. When did you decide to start this club? Was there a moment that inspired the movement or was it something you always wanted to do? How do you join the club, what do you do once you're in, and how is it inspiring change?

There really was no specific “aha” moment for the creation of Asian American Girl Club, but rather a culmination of all of the life experiences I had not only experienced but witnessed through the eyes of other AAPI women around me. These women are multifaceted, beautifully talented, and so wanting to build a sisterhood of support. It’s something I found was missing in my own life, as a girl who had two brothers and very few female friends growing up. AAGC was founded on the floor of my living room with nothing but a name and a logo, truthfully not really knowing what it would be. We uploaded it to IG at 10:30 pm and I swear the next morning our inboxes were flooded with messages from girls around the country just wanting to tell their stories and share what it means to them that this exists. A few had sent in college style essays that read as if they were taken from my very own mind.

One of my hopes for AAGC is that it inspires others to start their own companies, projects our just aim for their highest dreams—because they see others who look like them doing it. To be fearless and strong knowing there are support and community behind them saying, “Yes, it’s possible.”

When did you first realize that you are a voice for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community? And how do you feel about that responsibility?

When I first started doing interviews, I was just answering questions authentically from my life experiences. Through each one, I started to get clearer and more confident in what I was saying and how it could be valuable for others. It certainly feels scary, but at the same time, I realize that if I’m not vocal about my unique experiences, there is no one else who can tell them. That springs me into action.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

Just follow your heart. If you had told me a year ago, I would have my own business, I would have probably laughed. Just follow where your intuition is taking you. It knows you better than you know yourself.

You've had an incredibly successful career. If you could go back and talk with young Ally, what do you wish you could tell her? Why?

That you can do all the things you’re dreaming of. It’s all possible.

You have become a role model to so many young women everywhere, what advice would you give to a young woman hoping to follow in your footsteps? How should they be prepared? What are the key traits to succeed in entertainment today?

Don’t be afraid to use your voice and take big chances. Everything good that has ever happened in my career has come from a moment of choosing what may seem like the scarier path—but something about it rang true to me and only me. You have to own that.

Take time alone to really think about what your true goals are. They are going to be unlike anyone else’s—and that’s okay.

Speak up for those that may not have as loud of a voice.

Embrace your uniqueness. The weirdest parts about you are usually what people will resonate most with.

The entertainment industry is incredibly competitive, how do you create a unique voice and character that stands out above the rest?

Funny enough, the hardest part about creating a character, for me, is grounding it in authenticity first. The trap of acting is feeling like you need to be someone else before you can play a character. Finding that tiny bit of truth that rings true for me is the impetus for everything else. Once you find it, it seems to open everything. You can then add all the fun nuances and character-driven elements and it still feels real.

Most people are scared to voice their opinions for fear of the ramifications, but you always seem so bold and self-assured. Do you ever worry being so outspoken will hurt your career? Where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?

It’s certainly very scary, in this social climate, to feel like you can speak up, and I deal with that fear all the time. In my experience, I’ve always tried to stay true to who I am and speak directly from my personal journey. That’s all I can ever speak from. I remember when people first started to talk about representation, people would ask me my thoughts on it and I would just share things that have happened to me. Throughout the years, the more I talk about it, the stronger I get. It becomes less about fear and more about finding those people that connect with what you’re saying. Start small. It doesn’t have to be a full-on TED talk, but maybe practice a mini one in the mirror to yourself solo and go from there.

You don't seem afraid of making tough decisions, but what is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make professionally? And how did you get through it?

I am actually a terrible decision-maker. It’s something I’ve struggled with over the entire course of my life. Through mistake after mistake, I’ve finally come to the realization that it was never the decisions themselves that were difficult, it was always my underlying reasoning for making them. I was making choices based on what I should do and the validation of others versus following my heart, intuition and what I want to do—should versus want. It’s been a definite uphill battle these last few years as someone who is an absolute perfectionist and eager to make the people around me proud, but I realize that I am no good to others if deep down I’m not happy or fulfilled. All the art we create has to come from that good place. Don’t ignore that first gut feeling telling you what you know is true for you.

“Just follow where your intuition is taking you. It knows you better than you know yourself.”

Who in your field most inspires/influences you the most? How has this person changed/influenced your career? Why?

I am incredibly enamored by those who walk the walk confidently and use their voice for change. Ava DuVernay, Reese Witherspoon, Malala, and activists during the Japanese American internment camps. My friend and editor-in-chief at Allure, Michelle Lee, who time after time shows how we can use our influence to help others.

Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone. How do you define success? Why?

Success should never be measured in comparison to others or defined by money or fame. There are so many alluring factors that come with a career in the arts, but I find that, at the end of the day, if you don’t 100% love what you’re doing, it will never fulfill you, no matter how high up you get. I’m still that girl that would put on goofy shows in my parent’s living room and I hope to never lose her. I really try not to let other people define my personal success. When I go into auditions, I only feel like a failure if I think I let myself down. If I knew I didn’t do the best that I could have or wasn’t true to myself. Everyone else’s opinion I try not to let affect me as heavily.

With success comes opportunity, but it also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?

Being grateful and feeling everything. My stylist, Zadrian Smith, and I were recently in New York to attend an event that I considered to be a pretty big moment in my career. I remember being so extraordinarily overwhelmed by it all—the travel, feelings of unworthiness and social anxiety, looking and feeling confident (which are two completely different things) balancing auditions that always seem to pile on when I’m away. It’s so easy in these moments to lose focus of why we’re doing it all. It becomes a bit blurry and you can really lose yourself in the moment.

My inspiration in those times really comes from putting into focus what my goals are and the things I’ve day one dreamed of. When I feel it’s all too much, I will literally freeze in the middle of the room, take a deep breath and start to remind myself what I’m really doing this for and why it matters to me. If we don’t have our “why” then the doing just starts to feel like work. You start to just feel like a chicken with your head cut off.

The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of hard work and behind-the-scenes hustle. What is the reality of being an entrepreneur today? How hard is it really? Be honest!

This question makes me laugh because most people have no idea that we at Asian American Girl Club are a teeny tiny team. That means that—from posting to keeping up the shop, developing new products, social media campaigns, shoots, and writing content—it is mostly all created between a couple of people. I am hands-on with every single detail. It’s madness and there are times where I will just burst into tears, yell into a pillow, or fall onto the hardwood floor in the shape of a sloth-like snow angel. Entrepreneurship has challenged me in ways I never thought possible, but I love it so much. One DM from a girl who says that it helped her understand herself in a new way makes everything worth it. I’m such an adrenaline based person so the thrill of not knowing what’s around every moment gives me massive energy.

What is the best advice you have been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

“What’s the worst that can happen?”

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why? 

Anything by Brené Brown. Her words on vulnerability and shame have gotten me through some of my toughest moments. 

What is the #1 movie you always recommend? Why?

Early Miyazaki films are the cornerstone of my youth. They were some of my earliest showings of outside-of-the-box heroines and women that were powerful in extraordinarily imaginative settings.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 ENTERTAINMENT LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Sarah Larson Levey

Sarah Larson Levey was a New York-based fashion executive before she founded Y7, an unconventional yoga studio with humble beginnings as a pop-up in Williamsburg. Fast-forward to 2019 and Y7 has expanded to 14 locations across the U.S. from Brooklyn to Silver Lake—and shows no signs of slowing down.

And to think Larson Levey hated yoga. Her dissatisfaction with the current offering led her to a Craiglist search for a small space where she could host hot yoga classes in the dark to hip-hop music. It was a radical idea but it took off and has completely disrupted the market ever since. The company launched in 2013 and made $9.8 million in revenue in 2018 where it was also included as No. 80 on Inc.’s list of America's 500 Fastest-Growing Companies—Larson Levey also starred on the issue’s cover.

Ahead, she shares the lightbulb moment that sparked her to leave her full-time job in fashion behind to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor in the fitness industry, including the mistakes she’s learned from along the way, the #1 piece of advice she’d give to women starting out in the fitness field, and the reality of the behind-the-scenes hustle. 

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You were a New York-based fashion executive before you made the huge pivot to co-found Y7 with your husband in 2013 as a pop-up in Williamsburg. Can you take us back to that lightbulb moment? Where did this idea come from and did you know it would be as big and successful as it is now? Why do you think this style of Yoga has struck a chord with so many people?   

SARAH LARSON LEVEY: I was so frustrated with my yoga experiences. I never felt skinny enough, fit enough, flexible enough, spiritual enough. I was tired of feeling like an outsider in a practice that is for everyone. I decided to create a space that catered to that. Y7 is a space that you can move how you want to, every cue is just a suggestion. I had no idea anyone would even want to practice yoga this way, but it turns out a lot of people were craving a place to practice that doesn’t require these false prerequisites that are portrayed to us.

Now Y7 is available in 14 locations across the U.S. with plans to expand and over 300 employees. Can you take us through your marketing strategy and branding? How do you create a brand that stands out in a sea of competition? What unique social marketing tips do you have for other entrepreneurs to help grow their company online?

Our strategy has always been to provide a consistent client experience. For Y7, that is sweat-dripping, beat-bumping, candlelit yoga. In a space that is so competitive with endless options, it is important to be the space that clients can count on.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

I always find that taking a step back is helpful. Looking back at how much has already been accomplished and remembering that I have been in this tough space before and I can get through it again.

“It’s hard AF. You have to be okay with failing. You have to be okay with getting tough feedback.”

Growing as quickly as you have doesn't come without its challenges. What have been some of the biggest hurdles you've faced along the way? And what did you learn from it? How did you turn that into an opportunity?

One of the biggest hurdles I had was myself. I used to take every review of every class personally. Every time anyone had any sort of feedback I would get defensive and sit in my thoughts. I would get so worried about what every other studio was doing and how I was going to keep up that I almost lost sight of my vision for Y7. I got out of that headspace and learned that the way to grow is to stay focused. Know what you stand for and be that and keep going.

From the outside, you're hugely successful and killing it but we all know the reality is very different. What do you wish more people knew about your job? What are the biggest misconceptions?

The highs are so high that it looks like fun all the time but it takes a lot of work to get to those moments. Sleepless nights, constant worry, roadblocks, you just have to keep going through it all and know that it will pass. Also... yes I work in fitness, but I barely get to work out I am so busy!

The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of the hard work and hustle behind-the-scenes. What is the reality of being an entrepreneur today? How hard is it really? Be honest! What traits do you need to succeed as an entrepreneur or founder in the competitive start-up environment? Why?

It’s hard AF. You have to be okay with failing. You have to be okay with getting tough feedback. Knowing when you have to change your behavior and knowing what your strengths are and where you may need help. You have to let go of your ego—be open to ideas.

Where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy? Why?

Oh, wow. This is a tough one—it depends on what business you are in! For me, it has been supplies and labor. For the first three years of the business I ordered all of my supplies off of Amazon... lol... not the best idea. We have since switched to a vendor that is able to consolidate all of our orders and items so we are minimizing our costs and ordering efficiently.

Raising money was necessary to take Y7 to the next level and grow in the way that it has. What are some of the most common mistakes people make when raising money? Why?

Know your worth. Don't just take the first offer you get because it's better than you thought. Do your due diligence and ask questions. The fate of your future isn't something that should be rushed.

Founder depression has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months with more entrepreneurs opening up about their personal struggles. Who do you reach out to when you need advice or support? Do you have a mentor or are there groups you can turn to? What advice do you have for people here today who might be struggling with that too?

This is something that I definitely struggle with. There are moments of being so overwhelmed you think you will never be able to deal with everything. Early on, when I made the decision to make Y7 my full-time priority, I found a coach/therapist that I love. She helps me not only professionally but personally as well. She has been instrumental in helping me become the leader I am today. I feel very fortunate that I have girlfriends who are in the same position as me and I can always count on them for bottles of wine and just talking. If you ever start struggling with depression my number one recommendation is to seek professional help. It's so important we start to take care of ourselves in this way.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to women starting out in your field? Why?

Don't be afraid to try something new. People could be craving something they don't realize.

We live in a fast-paced world that doesn't seem to slow down, what's your best tip for taking care of our mental, physical, and spiritual selves? 

Know what works for you! I know that time with friends and a good glass of wine is how I fill up my cup.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

The Monk by Matthew Lewis. It was required reading for one of my lit classes in high school. It was written in the 1700s and is still so relevant today. I come back to it time and time again.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 HEALTH & WELLNESS LIST HERE.

Create & Cultivate 100: Find New Roads: Tonya Rapley

Tonya “The Millennial Money Expert” Rapley’s lightbulb moment for launching My Fab Finance was sparked by a personal need. As a millennial living in New York City and working for a non-profit, Rapley wanted to break the cycle of living from paycheck to paycheck but couldn’t find a financial resource tailored to millennials—so she created one. 

Her pivot paid off. The award-winning site has completely changed the game, turning the once stuffy and dated financial industry into a fun, familiar, and dare I say it cool space landing her on the cover of Black Enterprise magazine and lauded as “a modern-day history maker.”

Here, the finance expert explains why financial advice for millennials should differ from previous generations, the money mistakes she's made along the way, and the #1 tool every entrepreneur needs to stay on top of their cash flow and stay in the green.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You started My Fab Finance over six years ago, what was the catalyst for starting this business? Did you always have a passion for money? What is your vision/mission for the company?

TONYA RAPLEY: I started My Fab Finance because I felt that there weren't any people speaking about money that I could relate to. I was living in New York City working at a non-profit but still wanted to enjoy life. Everyone was talking about deprivation but they weren't talking about balancing wants and needs while becoming financially secure.

You are known as the millennial money expert and your company is tailored towards helping millennials break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. How does financial advice for millennials differ from advice for other generations? How are you helping young women become financially free? What are some of the main areas where women need help with money? Why?

Financial advice for millennials has to take a few things into consideration: 1) Rampant student loan debt, 2) Increased costs of living match with stagnant wages, 3) The absence of pensions and other workplace retirement programs, 4) Achieving your financial goals in the age of technology. So I try to help millennials navigate our new reality that most of our parents don't even understand. Honestly, I've found that men and women deal with the issues I've listed above. Women are better at managing money than most give them credit for and I want to highlight those stories of women making wise decisions with their money.

“Women are better at managing money than most give them credit for and I want to highlight those stories of women making wise decisions with their money.”

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

Conversations. I think conversations with others are powerful, people who know you, people who don't. Listening to how others ended up in their career paths as well as asking for suggestions regarding navigating yours.

To have a successful business, you need to fall in love with numbers and manage your financials. What is your best piece of financial/money advice for new entrepreneurs? What tools can they use to keep on top of their cash flow and stay in the green?

Quickbooks. It has changed my business and allows me to look at my numbers clearly. Also, find a good, honest accountant.

As a business owner yourself now, where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy? Why? What money mistakes have you made and learned from along the way?

I would say maximizing their expenses. It's easy to find ways to justify expenses without having an understanding of what the return on investment will be. Always be asking yourself how certain purchases or financial commitments contribute to your bottom line. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was paying for a software that everyone said I should have without understanding how I could profit from using the software and whether my business was ready for it.

You've built an impressive business that is really successful, but nothing worth building is without its challenges. What is the biggest work challenge you’ve faced and what did you learn from it?

An ongoing challenge had been paying my consistent staffing with inconsistent income. Each month was different and it was hard to predict what we would bring in, which is why I created a membership club, which allows me to bring in recurring revenue monthly. This has helped me cover my regular expenses with ease.

You do a lot of mentoring and speaking engagements across the country. What are the most frequently asked money questions? What money problems are people trying to solve? What are some of the most common mistakes people make with money? Why?

Hands down, people are trying to find ways to pay their student loans or they want to begin saving for their future so that they can actually retire one day.

What advice do you have for women who haven’t found their path/passion yet?

Keep trying things. In my experience, you have to try things out that aren't for you in order to find what is for you.

You started the Blue Ribbon Club to bring together money-minded individuals and create a community for them to learn. Where did the idea for this club come from? Why is a community a good way to learn about money?

It came from my need to create stability in my business and how we were offering our programs. I also wanted to create more structure in how I was serving my audience so that I could guide them to the desired outcome.

“Always be asking yourself how certain purchases or financial commitments contribute to your bottom line.”

You are an expert, so we have to ask, what are your top three money tips?

1. Always be making money. 2. Commit to doing something every week that improves your relationship with money or your finances. 3. Have at least one month of your expense set aside in savings.

What's a money mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?

Cashing out of the first 401K I was invested in back in college. I wish I would've rolled it over and allowed that money to grow.

Your company and your journey to success are unique. What is next for you and for My Fab Finance?

We're going to be focusing on the "helping people do more of what they love" element of my brand in the coming years. Since launching my business, I've relocated, traveled, had a baby, and we're looking to purchase our first investment property. I'm living life on my terms and I want to empower others to do so as well.

What is the #1 money/finance book you always recommend? Why?

My book! The Money Manual! It's straight tot he point, easy to digest and really helpful. Other than mine, Profit First by Mike Michalowiz, it's a must-read for business owners.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FIND NEW ROADS LIST HERE.

"I Never Use the Words Win or Failure Anymore"—and Other Boss Lady Quotes From Our First-Ever Small Business Summit

Big city, bright lights! We made the trek from one coast to the other this fall for our first-ever Small Business Summit in partnership with Mastercard. NYC greeted us with incomparable energy and we were so excited to hit the ground running with endless opportunities for networking, knowledge dropping, and so much more.

At C&C, we make a point of supporting small businesses and their founders—as does Mastercard. So, it only made sense that we would join forces with the best-in-the-game to create a new summit for our community. We set the stage for attendees by offering some incredible awe-inspiring panels, workshops, and photo moments—but don’t jump the gun just yet if you’re feeling that wave of FOMO. 

Not only did we talk hustle, but we got to see it IRL. We were excited to partner with Mastercard and spotlight a few boss-ladies who set up shop in the Mastercard Small Business Marketplace for attendees to shop, talk and network with—talk about shopping with purpose!

But we will say, if there was one thing to have total FOMO over, it was the Bumble Bizz Headshot Studio. We were honored to carve out a special place for attendees to have professional headshots were taken (not to mention it was a killer Instagrammable moment, too). Be sure to download the app for a chance to try the best networking tool at your fingertips.

Follow along for some snapshots and key learnings that will make you feel like you were there in the Big Apple with us. Don’t forget—if you’re an Insider—you too can access the live recordings of these business-savvy panels from the comfort of your own home (or smartphone). 

Take a look below for the best of our Saturday in the city. 

Keynote: Sophia Bush and Stacy London

Panelists:

Sophia Bush | Actress, Activist, and Host of Work in Progress podcast

Stacy London | Style Expert and New York Times Best-Selling Author

Stacey London

On pivotal points and realizations...

“All the things that I thought were failures were what propelled me to the next thing.”

“I never use the words win or failure anymore—they are just ‘value judgements’.”

“Expectation is the enemy of forward movement—it is the enemy of progress. “

“Age is no longer an indicator of giving good advice—experience is no longer how we measure advice.”

“Being clear on what your goals are, saying ‘no’ when something doesn’t serve you or your company is essential.”

 On getting through hardship and disappointments in your career...

“I'm going to look at whatever that roadblock was, I'm going to figure out how to get around it or I’m going to build a different road.”

“For people in your generation, the more options you have— being a multi-hyphenate—it’s looked at as such a positive thing. In my generation, not only did you have to stay in your lane, you don’t check any boxes.”

”We’ve all been met with dead ends. You never think you are going to meet the problems you’re going to be met with. You have to believe that everything happens for a reason. You have to become a problem solver in your own life.” 

On saying ‘no’...

“Once I named what it is that really motivates me, it made it easy to say ‘no’ when it didn't fall under that umbrella.”

Sophia:

On words of wisdom...

“If the world isn't ready for your good idea, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good idea.”

“Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”

“Humans need eight hugs a day to survive in their bodies—twelve hugs a day for optimal performance.” 

On connection:

“You must connect with your people in real-time, in real life. Whether it’s your company, your clan, it’s not enough to just connect through social.”

“It is not okay, ever, to feel less than.”

On self-worth:

“Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”

On setting goals:

“We set goals, great but we achieve that goal and set new goals so, we’re always chasing something on the horizon—we need to be able to look at the life we’re living today and say that it's pretty cool.”

“The idea is to not be so hard on yourself but to stay motivated. You are always going to be moving. The idea is to think of there is no finish line until your ashes are in the ground.”

“The point of living is to keep going.”

“Instead of that high and that low, see it as one more step.”

On saying no:

“Once I named what it is that really motivates me, it made it easy to say no when it didn't fall under that umbrella.”

“Get clear what the pillar is that all your verticals fall in. Say no if it doesn’t fall under that pillar.”

“I really want for all of us to figure out what serves us and lets us serve the world.”

Venture Forth: Building, bootstrapping or bringing on capital for your business

Panelists:

Vanessa Dew | Co-Founder and Chief Sales Officer, Heath-Ade

Molly Hayward | Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Cora

Hilary McCain | Founder and CEO, Sweet Reason CBD

Arielle Loren | Funding Expert for Women and Founder, 100K Incubator

Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate 

Moderator: 

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate 

Jaclyn Johnson

On the big picture...

“A lot of these big companies that you love don’t make any money, but they make a lot of the headlines.”

“Fall in love with the numbers.”

Vanessa Dew

“When we were raising our first round, let me paint the picture of eating ramen every day—we were beaten down, we were getting up early in the morning to go to the farmers market—so we eventually needed money to supplement the business.”

On the money conversation...

“As females, we often don't negotiate or bring up taboo topics. For example, founder pay, founder liquidity. These topics were never brought up because we were afraid.”

On how to raise money...

“We called in a whole village: a finance professor, brought lawyers on deck—we had a whole group to gain their insights. You get insights from people, but at the end of the day you need to follow your gut and do what is right for your business.”

On raising money or bootstrapping it:

“We are responsible for our teams lives. There is an emotional side to it.”

“As a founder and leader your job is a fiduciary responsibility to increase holder value—we are not robots. You are a human leading the company. At some point your agendas don’t match. It is always good to align with your executive team and your investors around what the plan is for the next three to five years.”

Molly Hayward 

On the why behind Cora...

“You know for me it started from a place of pure inspiration. I was travelling in Kenya and found out that all the girls were missing school during the month of their period because they couldn’t afford period products. How fucked up is that?”

“When I looked into the industry I was shocked at how unconscious we were when it came to the impact of the products we were using.”

On creating and growing her business...

“For me, the disruptive piece came from not knowing any better. Not feeling like there was a rule I had to follow, not feeling like there was something I had to differently.”

“It was clear to me that I wanted to create a brand that represented the values of the modern woman. It’s sad that that is considered disruptive, but it is.”

“It is taking the attitude of: ‘I’m going to let who I am lead this process’ and following your gut.”

“Best Advice: Make more than you spend. At the end of the day if you can you do that in as lean of a way as possible, you put yourself in the strongest position.” 

On raising money...

“In the first 18 months from idea to raising money, I have gone through every type of funding—self-funded at first and from there I did a crowdfunding campaign.”

“There’s no wrong way to do this.”

“Be conscious of your cash flow.”

“I was by no means an expert and I leaned on other investors and other entrepreneurs I know and asking what I need to do next.”

“Finance and investing is still a male-dominated industry—women are still breaking in.” 

“You're not alone, let it be a learning experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don't feel like you're not worthy of that answer and that money in the end.”

Hilary McCain

On the importance of working with others...

“Sell the dream. Convince the people around you to build something with you.”

“One way we have found to get good people involved is giving equity to every person involved in the company, from the top down to the bottom.”

On raising money...

“The second you raise money, the clock starts ticking. There is enormous pressure, but I might not have completely appreciated how much you are held to those numbers.”

Arielle Loren

On raising funds...

“There are so many options and for us, it's about educating people about their options. Know where you fall in the process, then you can set yourself up for success.”

“How can you show proof of concept as early in your business as possible? What can you do in the meantime to position yourself and your company as something with potential?”

“Raising money doesn’t mean you have a profitable and viable business yet.”

Mastering the Three C's: Content, community, and commerce 

Panelists:

Marie Forleo | Marie Forleo, author of the instant #1 NY Times Bestseller, Everything is Figureotuable

Courtney Quinn | Founder, Color Me Courtney

Leann Livingston | Brand Manager, Square

Ginger Siegel | North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard
Claire O’Connor | Editorial Director, Bumble

Mallory Blair | CEO, Small Girls PR

Moderator: 

Reesa Lake | Partner, EVP of Brand Partnerships, Digital Brand Architects

Marie Forleo 

On content...

“Content, when you create it right, gives you the opportunity to create trust and confidence long before you ask anyone for a sale.”

“Consumers understandably have a lot of skepticism—content is the most important signal for us to show what we stand for.”
 

On community...

“It's about paying attention to people and making them feel seen, heard, acknowledged.”

On social media followers…

“If you go holy shit, 300 people care about what I say and you treat those people like gold, you make them feel loved seen heard, that's what matters.”

“People’s bullshit-meters are so high, so you have to be rooted in your heart and a genuine caring.”

On commerce…

“No matter what business you're in, you have got to become masterful in marketing and sales—it is the lifeblood of your business— understand the people you’re serving.”

Courtney Quinn

On community...

“If you’re focusing on people who don't follow you, it's a waste of time. You have people who are already here, focus on them. My community is the reason I grow.”
“I create content for the people who are following me. I invest in them.”

On commerce...

“People want to promote what I stand for.”

“I think if people care about you as a creator, they will want to buy what you're selling.”

“I have to fall in love with the story before I fall in love with the product.”

“Have people fall in love with you and what you do, the money will follow and it is an easy way to bridge the gap between content and commerce.”

“When you create a clear brand, it helps you differentiate early on.”

On being authentic in what you show... 

“You can't fake the things that are you.”

“I picked five things that were me to a tee. I put my top five everywhere and looked at those five things whenever I was producing any content and if it didn’t check the box, then it doesn’t get seen.”

Leann Livingston

On content…

“60% of consumers are looking for brands that have values and use that to make purchase decisions.”

On community...

“If we want to be about small business owners, we need to be about the community.”

“Find out how you can partner with the communities that are already built and thriving.”

On women-owned businesses that are crushing it... 

“Your business can represent so much more than just what you sell.”

Ginger Siegel

On content...

“Planning everything out isn’t going to work in this real-time marketing environment. What you need is agility.”

On community…

“Particularly with female entrepreneurs, we are much more apt to be drawn into a community.”

Mallory Blair 

On content...

“Rise above the clutter—How do you stand for more?” 

On community...

“Make a list of brands you feel are in the same universe and reach out, offer to cross promote their brand.”

Re-Imagined Retail: From brick & mortar to DTC we explore how the future of the shop is being shaped

Panelists:

Lisa Price | Founder, Carol’s Daughter Inc. 

Ali Kriegsman | Co-Founder and COO, Bulletin

Dianna Cohen | Founder, Levitate

Jessica Kahan Dvorett | SVP at CaaStle and General Manager, Haverdash and Gwynnie Bee

Lisa Mastela | CEO, Bumpin Blends

Moderator: 

Christine Michel Carter | Writer and Global Marketing Strategist

Lisa Price

On holding your own self back...

“I had to stop blaming me, and get out of my own way.”

On conversation with the customer…

“The thing that is most important is your storytelling and your authenticity. When I started I didn't need to worry about what am I going to post about today, I could just create products. Today, you have to have a dialogue.”

Lisa Mastela

On guilt...

“Letting go of the guilt of failure has been the hardest for me. I would be overwhelmed by those feelings and want to quit. When you experience failure over and over and over again, which you do, be able to bounce back and learn from it.”

Maker Economy: A Conversation With Madewell’s Hometown Heroes and Nest on Building Your Handmade Biz From the Ground Up

Panelists:

Lacie RZ Porta, Founder, Framed Florals 

Natalie Borton, Founder, Natalie Borton Jewelry 

Virginia Sin, Founder, SIN 

Amanda Lee, Director of Brand Strategy & Sourcing at Nest

Moderator: 

Sacha Strebe | Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate

Lacie RZ Porta

On press impacting the business...

“If you know you're going to have more traffic to your site, plan for it, prep for it. Even if you don't, learn from it.“

On life learnings...

“I learn the most from the things I wasn't prepared for.”

“If it's not a ‘hell yes’ it's a no.”

Natalie Borton

On Hometown Goods with Madewell...

“There was legitimacy that came with Madewell being willing to sell my goods.” 

Virginia Sin

On goals…

“For any goal, you have to have detailed steps on how you get there and look back at your values and make sure you're not compromising as you get there.”

On best advice...

“Authenticity. Being able to tell a story that's differentiating. There is only one you—if you can share your story and make it compelling, it will go a long way. Never give up.” 

Amanda Lee

Best advice for women...

“Key in on your values and brand values. In a quickly changing world, things change but if you hone in on who you are and your values that will always stay true.”


Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork: How to scale your business and take it to the next level [POWERED BY MASTERCARD]

Panelists:

Morgan DeBaun | Founder and CEO, Blavity (WSBAC)

Sonja Rasula | CEO and Founder, Unique Markets (WSBAC)

Katie Rosen | Co-Founder, FabFitFun (WSBAC)

Jordan Jones | Founder and CEO, Packed Party
Cheryl Guerin | EVP North America Marketing & Communications, Mastercard

Moderator: 

Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate

Cheryl Guerin

On best advice...

“I think you have to be scrappy with all of the tools at your disposal”

Sonja Rasula

On money...

“I took all of my savings, every penny that I had, and I started the business.” 

“I’ve never lost a penny. I never took a loan. I’ve never needed investment in 11 years.”

On best advice...

“Female entrepreneurship is now being given the light that it deserves.”

“If you believe that you have a good idea and you believe in yourself, and you have the confidence, there is no reason why you shouldn’t invest in yourself.”

“If you believe in yourself, why the fuck wouldn’t you put everything you have into it?”

“If you believe in yourself, do it. Risk it. Time is not a luxury we have.” 

On what the world wants…

“People are craving human, in-person connection again.” 

Katie Rosen

On nothing is perfect…

“We have re-written our mission 6000 times.”

“Invest in what works and throw away what doesn’t.”

Jordan Jones

On strengths...

“I knew my strengths and I played to them”

Morgan DeBaun

On investing...

“The point of investment is to grow the business. You have to maintain what you’re doing and also get return 10x.”

On diversifying…

“Content is the cheapest way to build a business—we leveraged content.” 

“The black community is so underserved, so we were creating content for them.” 

Desk-Side—How This Celebrity Esthetician's European-Inspired Studio Influences Her Work

Research very clear states that indoor environments in an office has a great influence on employees‘ attitudes, behaviors, satisfaction, and works performance. Workspaces that lack consideration for temperature, water quality, lighting, and noise conditions can expect to see a decrease in employee happiness and productivity. In our series, Desk-Side we peek inside the offices of businesses that marry the basic essentials with elevated aesthetics to keep both their staff’s passion and performance at 100.

Photo: Michael Clifford

If you haven't heard of Shani Darden (which we find it hard to believe) then we can guarantee you've heard of her clients—Rose Huntington Whitely, Jessica Alba, and Chrissy Teigen to name a few. For years, the expert esthetician has been Hollywood's biggest skin secret sending out an army of glowy, dewy skin disciples from her own home. She ran the entire operation herself, answering emails, phone calls, and even the front door. Darden even developed and launched a self-titled product line which unsurprisingly was a sell-out.

So when she finally opened her own studio in Beverly Hills we knew it would be nothing short of spectacular—we weren’t disappointed. Darden worked with celebrated designer, Jake Arnold (he designed Who What Wear co-founder and CEO, Katherine Power’s home) on the moody, French-inspired 2300-square-foot sanctuary complete with Calcutta Viola marble reception desk and pink curved sofa.

Read on to learn more about the space and how the design direction was influenced by her work, and vice versa.

“I wanted to create a space that was calm, serene, and chic.”

Photo: Michael Clifford

What was the vision/direction for the space? What did you think about when decorating?

“I worked with one of my great friends who happens to be a designer, Jake Arnold. I wanted to create a space that was calm, serene, and chic. Jake is very inspired by European sensibilities and loves to use natural, raw materials. It was designed with a mix of clean lines, natural materials and polished finishes. He did a really incredible job of bringing in elements of my personality. I love the Calcutta Viola reception desk and powder room sink. It really brought the whole space to life.”

How important is the design of your studio for conjuring the creativity and inspiration for your work? 

“It’s beyond important to me to have a clean, beautiful environment where I work. When the space is in impeccable shape and I have fresh flowers, nothing makes me happier! I have these amazing florists, A&J | Los Angeles @aj.losangeles, who do a hanging floral installations in the entry that I die for. In addition to the spa portion of this space, I also have an office for the skin care team. It’s where product development, testing, and planning all happens. We have several innovative products soon to be released.” 

Photo: Michael Clifford

What is your favorite piece/place in your studio and why?

“I love the entry. You walk in, and there’s a fountain that I always keep fresh flowers in. You then walk through an arch into the reception area and it’s just such a calming, serene moment to enter into.” 

How did you decide on the color scheme?

“I knew I wanted it to be minimal and neutral to keep it very high end and chic. However, the reception desk is a very bold marble with white, black, and purple. It pairs super well with the neutral lime wash finish on the walls.” 

What’s your favorite thing about the space? 

“I couldn’t be more grateful to have a space of my own. I didn’t know that this would ever be a possibility, so it’s just such a dream come true.” 

What is your biggest inspiration and how does that factor into your work?

“I am a mother of two girls, and they are always my inspiration and motivation. Everything I do is for them. I love that my girls get to watch me build my business, and know that chasing their dreams is entirely possible.”

Up Next: Step Inside Our Chic (and Cool) Create & Cultivate Clubhouse in Los Angeles.

What was the biggest challenge of this project?

The biggest challenge was finding the right spot. After a long search, we found a spot in Beverly Hills that had great bones, but it had to be completely gutted and reimagined.

“Be Each Other’s Wing Woman” — The Showstopping Moments You Missed From Our Austin Pop Up

Yesterday. Was. Amazing. If you were one of the lucky attendees at our Austin Pop Up, you know it’s true. For those of you who weren’t, don’t worry: We’re sharing all the fire advice and amazing insight from each and every one of our speakers (like the inimitable Tan France and Natasha Lyonne!) below. Huge shoutout to all our moderators and panelists for making it a day full of learning, laughter, and tweet-worthy inspo. We’re still riding the high!

Read on to hear our speakers’ thoughts on finding your niche, forming your tribe, and following your passion.

Marketing Masterclass: Growing a cult following & building brands people love

“When you do the work you believe in and are passionate about, the money comes.” - Adrienne Bosh, Founder, Sparkle & Shine Darling

“You cannot fear your executive team. Understand their goals.” - Erin Silver, Head of Social Media, Volvo

“When I saw my female and minority friends not getting the same opportunities as the white boys, I decided to do something about it.” - Sarah Kunst, Founder of Cleo Capital

“When you’re starting new things, you’ll always need your tribe of women with you.” - Adrienne Bosh

“Don’t try to be like anyone else in the room. Be you. You’re there for a reason.” - Carrie Colbert, CEO of CarrieColbert.com

“Brand matters. I’ve worked on a team that canceled an entire campaign because one small element wasn’t on brand.” - Sarah Kunst

“When you do get a seat at the table, know your stuff.” - Carrie Colbert

“It’s not about numbers for me—it’s a question of ‘is this working toward my purpose?’” - Adrienne Bosh

““Don’t try to be like anyone else in the room. Be you. You’re there for a reason.” ”

— Carrie Colbert

Content Economy: Meet the influencers making waves in the creator universe

“It’s so much better to be your authentic self.” - Genevieve Padalecki, Founder, Now & Gen

“I push myself and my team to ask, ‘How is this person or this recipe showing our readers they can be more intentional and present?’ It all has to go back to that core vision, and that’s what’s helped up define a unique point of view.“- Camille Styles, Founder & CEO, Camille Styles

“I wish [that when I first started,] I knew that my failures would add to my strength as a creator.” - Paola Mathe, Founder, Finding Paola & Fanm Djanm

“Figure out what your niche is. How is what you’re doing different from everybody else?” - Reesa Lake, Partner, Digital Brand Architects

“If you have something you’re passionate about, you can make it work. Reaching out to other people was a lifesaver for me, because I was able to build a community and learn what I wanted to learn.“ - Dani Austin, Founder, DaniAustin.com

WorkParty The Podcast: In Conversation with Tan France

“Be each other’s wing woman. Men are doing enough tearing you down—don’t make their jobs any easier.”

“Call her out if she’s being negative.”

“Being the first of anything is hard. People look to you for representation of every community you’re part of. I don’t want to be the only one.”

“Keep your payroll tight. Make sure you know every facet of your business.”

Real Time, Real Talk: How brands are keeping up with the digital day to day

“The more you blend in, the more you get lost in a crowded marketplace.” - Maxie McCoy, Author & Speaker

“Navigate life the way you choose to.” - Bruna Schmitz, Roxy Pro Surfer & Ambassador

“Fuel what your soul is craving. That’s what I make time for.” - Jessi Afshin, Founder, The Darling Detail

“One way I’ve been trying to incorporate balance into my daily life is time blocking. When I’m working, I’m working.” - Courtney Shields, Founder, Bring Your Own Beauty

Keynote Panel: In Conversation with Natasha Lyonne

On hiring an all-female writers’ room for Russian Doll:

“The people that were best for the job happened to be women. It was really about surrounding myself with allies.”

On imposter syndrome:

“At every level, everyone is constantly experiencing imposter syndrome and asking ‘Am I enough?’ and ‘Am I taking up too much space?’ It’s just necessary to push past it.”

On being your true self:

“I was afraid of not letting it all hang out in all its messiness. I think we embrace it and celebrate it in someone else, but as soon as it’s our own, it’s like a deep shame spiral.”

On work, success, and looking back:

“Directing an episode of Orange is the New Black was very healing around my own self-doubt, worthiness, and steadiness—there was something about the fact that the producers, and Netflix, and the cast were all open and inviting to it. I would be at the monitor just weeping. It was healing for me.”

Advice she’d give her teenage self:

“You’re in the war, but the war will be over. I promise. Hang tough, babe.”

#StartSomethingPriceless: How these women risked it all to build their dream

“As females, we need to build multi-billion dollar companies. Let’s all think at that level.” - Payal Kadakia, Founder & Executive Chairman, ClassPass

“You have to stick it out. If you believe in what you’re doing, stick it out.” - Sonja Rasula, Founder & CEO, Unique Markets

“When you’re self funded and a client says ‘I need you to cover the cost of this,’ you don’t say no—you say ‘yes, no problem’ and figure it out.” - Jaclyn Johnson, Founder & CEO, Create & Cultivate

“It’s about finding people who have the ‘can-do, going-to-learn’ attitude.” - Payal Kadakia

“We noticed that there was no place for black people to find out about the men and women in politics supporting issues they care about. So we’re launching Blavity Politics.” - Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO, Blavity

““You have to stick it out. If you believe in what you’re doing, stick it out.””

— Sonja Rasula

“We need more women handing out the capital.” - Payal Kadakia

“My executive assistant was the employee that made the biggest impact for my company.” - Morgan DeBaun

“You have to be willing to sacrifice. The worst thing that could happen, is you go bankrupt. OK, big deal. Thank you, next.” - Sonja Rasula

Create & Innovate: Build a one-of-a-kind brand in a crowded marketplace

“Know your purpose and what you want to share with others.” - Camila Alves, Founder, Women of Today

“We really try to marry the experience of leading the brand and what we do if we’re following the brand.” - Sami Fishbein, Co-founder and COO, Betches Media

“As women, it’s in our DNA to manage crisis.” - Julie Smolyansky, President & CEO, Lifeway

““Know your purpose and what you want to share with others.””

— Camila Alves

“How am I am going to add value to the communities I want to connect with?” - Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of North American Whiskeys Portfolio, Diageo

“We have something for everybody while staying true to who we are.” - Paige Adams-Geller, Founder & Creative Director, PAIGE

“We’re able to speak to women in the way they speak to each other.” - Sami Fishbein

“Whenever there’s a crisis, I tend to run right into the fire.” - Julie Smolyansky

Shoutout to artist Emily Eisenhart for creating our amazing ATX mural. The future IS bright with talented ladies like her in our corner.

Don’t wanna miss out on more mic-drop moments from our events? Get your tickets to our New York conference now!

MORE ON THE BLOG

How The Founder of Media Giant Blavity Hustles Smart

Morgan DeBaun is no stranger to brand building. In 2014, she left her full-time job at Intuit to launch Blavity, a media company for black millennials, and has since acquired Shadow and Act and Travel Noire—on top of launching 21Ninety, a lifestyle brand for women of color, AfroTech, a conference and site for black entrepreneurs, and M.Roze, a skincare line. So yeah—she’s kind of a total boss.

That’s why we’re thrilled to have Morgan joining our Mastercard Women’s Business Advisory Council. Throughout the year, members of the council will be popping up at events and online with advice on how to get your small business off the ground—stay tuned to learn more!

Below, Morgan shares why she launched Blavity, how she hustles smart, and the best piece of advice she’s ever received.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?

Being able to get into the room. There are still a lot of closed doors when it comes to women entrepreneurs, whether it be to pitch, or securing funding, it’s still very much a boys club. Hopefully, that will change in the near future with the number of women business owners and entrepreneurs consistently growing.

What was the turning point that convinced you, “It's time to take matters into my own hands? The world needs Blavity.”

It was after the death of Mike Brown. Almost every media source painted this kid out to be a monster, all while his body still laid in the middle of the street. Too often we see the narrative around people of color go from bad to worse in the media before real facts have been presented. Blavity was created to change that.

When you run into a career obstacle, how do you find new roads?

I find new roads by going back to the drawing board and revisiting the original vision. That usually helps me get back to aligning myself with my goals. In doing so, I almost always come across new avenues and alternative ways to get to the job done.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who talk a lot about what they want to do instead of just doing it. Actions speak louder than words and execution is everything.

What does the concept of #hustlesmart mean to you?

To hustle smart means to put in the work needed, but doing so efficiently and effectively, so that time, energy and resources aren’t wasted along the way.  Sometimes I think people take pride in being “busy” and “working hard.” If you can accomplish the same outcome with less work isn’t that a better outcome?  

"Actions speak louder than words and execution is everything."

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How has your relationship to that concept changed over the last five years?

I have a team now. We still hold the concept in high regards, but with more brain power, it has become easier, in a way. We work together and are able to pick up on each other’s blind spots, so that makes the process of executing ideas a lot smoother than being alone in my one-bedroom apartment trying to do everything on my own. 

What are your biggest fears about running a business?

If I had to take a stab at it, I would say that taking too long to recognize that a project or idea or system just doesn’t work. I love the quote “fail fast” because the greatest lessons are born out of failures and mistakes. 

Fail fast, because the greatest lessons are born out of failures and mistakes.

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What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

I feel most complete being able to employ people who are underdogs and deserve to work in a space where they can be their full creative selves. 

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

I wouldn't. I’m proud, and very much still in awe of what my team has done in the short years that Blavity has existed.  I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

It was when I decided to quit my job at Intuit and pursue Blavity full time. It was all sorts of scary and nerve-wracking but I never looked back.  I think that when you find something that you’re really passionate about that you’d be willing to do for free then it makes everything that comes after less scary.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

Stop asking for permission and just do it.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

Beyoncé - "Formation"

Photo Credit: @davisfactor and Morgan’s Instagram

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

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Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Kiana Ledé

Kiana Ledé is the ultimate multi-hyphenate.

A singer, an actor, and a mental health advocate, Kiana rose to fame after posting covers of hits like Drake’s Hotline Bling on YouTube. But after hearing the Republic Records signee’s own music, you’ll forget all about the covers.

The songstress’ top hit, EX (with more than 6 million plays on Spotify), breaks the mold of typical breakup ballads—heartfelt, raw, and vulnerable, Kiana croons, “I don’t gotta be in love with you to love you; don’t treat me like your ex.”

That realness is innate to how Kiana communicates, inside and outside the recording studio. She’s open about her struggles with depression and anxiety and is an advocate for therapy and meditation, and she hopes her music offers solace to those struggling with mental health. This 21 year old is wise beyond her years, and we can’t wait to share what she has to say.

You’re both a singer and an actor. What do you like most about each career?

I like that each different artistic path informs the other. I like being able to write my own thoughts in a song and then be able to emote them musically but I also love being given the script and finding my own interpretation of the words. They are very different but each informs the other.

Watch Kiana in our interview with her behind-the-scenes at our Create & Cultivate 100 photoshoot

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Connecting with people who might have found some strength in my music or in the reflection of a character I am portraying and even finding myself in my own characters strengths and weaknesses. I get to be artistic and honest all the time!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Read any Rupi Kaur book. That is advice from experience transformed into poetry and it is my guide to being a young brown girl in this world.

What guidance would you give to women who are hungry to chase their dreams but just starting out in their careers?

Don’t let society or the pressure of history rush you. You aren’t here to fit into any historical box that women are supposed to be in. So don’t let anyone rush you into fitting into one. Take your time. Build your career at YOUR pace cuz you a boss!

You’ve archived a lot of the YouTube cover songs that helped you rise to fame. Why don’t you want them on your channel anymore?

I felt like it was time to put them to bed. The covers were a vehicle. I am so grateful for them and enjoyed singing them but I enjoy singing my own songs more ;)

If you had to choose another career, what would it be?

My real passion is helping people and more specifically, young women, so I would probably be a social worker or a therapist that specializes in helping young women.

You made a conscious effort to feature people of color in your music video for Fairplay. Can you speak to the importance of inclusion in Hollywood?

Of course it’s important to have representation in Hollywood, for people of every color and culture to see people that look like them. However, it’s much bigger than Hollywood. Let’s just look at the idea of inclusion on a global level. Hollywood isn’t even all that important in the grand scheme of things. Black girls should see black female lawyers. Hispanic girls should see Hispanic female doctors. That’s what is going to change the world. So what I’m doing is actually on very small scale but I choose to empower myself by empowering others. That’s the most inclusive mind-set one can have. By including others, I also include myself!

Black girls should see black female lawyers. Hispanic girls should see Hispanic female doctors. That’s what is going to change the world.

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When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

That really is hard. Sometimes you have to reset and restart. In the end, even if I reach out to my team or my mother for some help...it all comes back to me. New roads must be discovered on a deeply personal level, so while I certainly use my incredible and resourceful family/team, it all lands back on me to pick up and start again. But that is the most powerful feeling when you get it right.

Whose career really inspires you? Why?

One of my role models is Rihanna because she started out as a girl from a small island and grew into one of the bossest women we’ve ever seen. She is more than just an artist. She helps women by setting an example of being unapologetically herself and it paying off. She does not conform. What an icon.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

I can’t wait to release my next project. That’s coming soon, too! New stories, new songs to share. Also, I’m hitting the road with Ella Mai on her US debut tour. It’s going to be amazing!

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Music: BOSCO

In her senior year of college, with just two semesters of her fashion design program at the Savannah College of Art and Design, BOSCO decided to call it quits on college in the name of music.

She never looked back.

Since her decision seven years ago, BOSCO’s career has taken off. In 2013, she was signed to Fool’s Gold Records (alongside the likes of Kid Cudi). Within months, she’d taken hold in the Atlanta scene, combining her love of style with multimedia art and music. Fast-forward five years and her latest EP, b., has launched her onto the proverbial main stage. She hit more than a million streams last year...and she’s just getting started. Read on to hear BOSCO’s take on style, success, and inspiration.

You left fashion school just two semesters before graduation. Was it difficult to make that decision, and how has your education translated into your work as a musician?

It was very challenging but I knew something inside of me was calling for a bigger purpose. I was exhausted with school and keeping up with the institutional practices/studies of what people thought “Fashion” was. For me personally, fashion is about style. You can teach the foundation of it (sewing, pattern and draft making) but you can’t teach taste or style. It’s something that comes from within, it’s your individual language. It’s the way you communicate to people before you utter your first word before you meet someone. I’ve learned so much along the way in regards to fashion, how it translates into my music career, and how things are paired and layered together. I’ve used these skills to help with my releases by working closely with designers from various mediums. It’s a language that has gotten me to where I am as I am well-versed in the arts as well as fashion.

You deleted every photo on your Instagram prior to your latest EP, b. Are visuals as important to your brand as the music?

I wanted people to focus on the body of work which best represented who I am and where I want to go at the moment. As you know, we live in a “fly by night” type of culture where we are constantly fighting to be heard or have our work surpass a shelf life longer than two weeks. It’s crazy to me how much society consumes without fully digesting an artist’s work and discovering new things within it. It’s like reading a book and discovering new things each time. I try to have multiple ways for the consumer to understand my vision by providing multimedia components to my work. Not only do you get the music but you are also apart of the journey whether it’s through gifs, animations, lookbook, videos, or documentaries. I try to cover all bases because people process information differently and we as artists have to be sensitive to different comprehension styles and connectability.

If you could give advice to young women just getting started in their careers, what would it be?

There’s no right or wrong way to achieve success. Surround yourself with people who are going to nurture your gifts and be transparent about your growth and how to improve. “Yes” men will be the death of your career. Find balance when you feel uninspired or depleted. Taking breaks to refocus is okay! Remain a student and don’t be afraid to ask for help. READ AND RESEARCH!

What’s the biggest source of inspiration for your music?

Pain.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

That I achieved 1 million streams in 2018.

What do you hope your listeners take away from your work?

You can do anything you want to do and it’s OK to be vulnerable.

There’s no right or wrong way to achieve success.

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Which women in your industry do you look up to most? Why?

Rihanna - She’s a boss, down-to-earth, loves family and is beautiful inside and out. I love her business model because music is the vehicle for everything she’s doing in fashion and beauty. She knows how to sell herself and is unapologetically her at all times and we love her for it.

Issa Rae - She puts on her friends and up-and-coming artists through her show. Her sensibility to the culture and current things that we all are dealing with are relatable. She represents the modern day renaissance woman in every way. She embraces her natural beauty and encourages other woman to do the same.

Oprah - I mean, do I really have to say it? It’s OPRAH!!!!!

Michelle Obama - She embodies everything I strive to be and more. Her love for her family and our culture will forever be engraved in our hearts. What she represents for black women is huge and how she’s able to constantly remind us of who we are and why we are striving to continuously become “me” is incredible.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

When I’m performing I feel the most free and the most at home by connecting with my fans.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

I like to go between design and music which gives me a new perspective when I get exhausted with one medium. I try to look at the positive which is not always easy to do so having a support system and tribe is important. Looking at documentaries is also a great way to stay inspired and motivated.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Keep your eyes on your own journey.

Photo Credit: Cameron Kirkland

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Health + Wellness: Ally Love

Ally Love truly does it all.

The Brooklyn Nets host, Peloton instructor, model, and dancer has her hands full. Between hosting games and teaching classes, Ally founded #LoveSquad, a lifestyle movement where she shares her own journey to success and encourages others in the health industry to do the same. She stays busy, but in ways she finds truly fulfilling—and we can only hope to have our priorities as straight as Ally in 2019.

Read on for Ally’s take on representation, her multi-hyphenate career, and what makes her tick.

You’re a part of the “slash generation.” You’re a host for the Brooklyn Nets, Peloton instructor, model, and entrepreneur. What do you love about pursuing multiple ventures at once?

I love that I am able to create a career that works for me. All of these tracks are a great combination that provide me with my dream job, and they all intersect with community.

Your business, Love Squad, aims to empower women who work in sports and fitness. Tell us more about your goals for the company.

Love Squad is founded on inclusivity and diversity. We believe that it is important to cultivate spaces that champion women, by providing conversations and experiences that affect women’s professional and personal lives and, ultimately, provide tools, answers, and opportunities that will create positive change. I hoping that in 2019 we grow more awareness around our brand, create bigger and more impactful events, as well as partner with larger brands to provide one-of-a-kind events and conversations.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

I’d say the the highlight of my career was founding Love Squad. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, it was almost scary in fact; But it organically became a part of my message, and what I was seeking - it was clear that I needed to continue to build, define, redefine, and create something that makes myself, makes people, and the world better.

Do you feel like female representation in sports has improved in the last few years? Why or why not?

I think it has improved, while we have more to go, I am proud of the conversations around women in all rooms where decisions are being made, especially where those decisions directly affect us. Women are amazing athletes, high-level professionals, political officials, and members of society. Love Squad will continue to initiate conversations around women, that are not just for women - but for everyone to contribute to.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I’m fulfilled by the vast community that I get to encounter everyday, whether that’s in person, via social media, or through on-camera media. Establishing, building, and cultivating relationships that result in exchanges of stories, information,, knowledge, and processes to make the world better, is what I live for.

“I love that I am able to create a career that works for me. All of these tracks are a great combination that provide me with my dream job, and they all intersect with community. ”

What advice do you have for other “slash generation” women who want to do it all? How do you invest yourself equally in all of your business ventures?

First, identify what “all” means to you, create a road map to get those things, understand the cross-section of those things, and understand that you cannot apply equal energy to each track - so being conscious of your immediate goals and operate accordingly.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day! lol…most times each day includes some type of live on camera component and interaction with many people - which are the through-line within my career.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

I slow down, ask friends for advice: because most times a hurdle means I may not be seeing the forest from the trees because I am in too deep, and I don’t get too down on myself…as this is expected when you’re building a career.

Whose career really inspires you?

Michelle Obama, Elaine Welteroth

What are you most excited for in 2019?

I’m excited that our events for Love Squad are growing! We are able to impact a larger community - we are able to inspire, motivate, and encourage more people through conversations and experiences.

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 HEALTH & WELLNESS LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Health + Wellness: Melissa Alcantara

It’s not every day Kim Kardashian finds your Instagram and shoots you an email asking for workout advice. But for Melissa Alcantara, it’s her reality. The 33-year-old fitness guru wasn’t always a trainer, though; she got into wellness just a few years ago after the birth of her baby girl. But once she set her mind to overcoming her pregnancy weight gain and postpartum depression, she hit her stride.

Melissa began posting about her fitness journey on Instagram—starting with Weight Watchers, then Jiu Jitsu, then bodybuilding—before eventually becoming a personal trainer. After she created her first fitness program, Melissa’s 8-Week Body Sculptor, she received the fateful email from Kim asking if she’d be her trainer. And now, between training clients, taking care of her daughter, and writing fitness programs, she’ll appear on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians (very casual).

We’re blown away by Mel’s drive to succeed. Read more about her story below.

You got into fitness after your pregnancy. Tell us more about what drove you to start training and eventual enter bodybuilding competitions.

After I had my daughter Bella, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to how my body would look or how I would feel. I guess I didn’t really think about it, I was more preoccupied with if I’d be a good mother and if I was ready for my life to completely change. But, when life settled in and I saw that my pre-baby body was not coming back on my pregnancy diet, it really brought me down.

I then started all sorts of “diets” and my usual “starve yourself” method before I realized this only works for a short time because it isn’t sustainable. I was so damn tired of the shortcuts! One day I snapped. I was lying on the couch watching tv, I felt lazy, I was unhappy with my body and with myself...I was tired of being tired and being in limbo land about what I needed to do.

The answers were not going to fall out of the sky and into my lap, so I decided I had to do something about it, something different, not the lazy shortcut way I always reverted to. The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again expecting a different turnout. So I knew I had to get uncomfortable and do something I had never done before.

I decided to do a home workout program I saw an infomercial for, I saw these people’s transformations and thought ‘if they can do it, I can too’.

So I downloaded the program and just started. I knew nothing of fitness, of exercising, of form...I did not know what to expect or if I would survive, all I knew is that no matter what I wouldn’t give up before giving myself a real HONEST chance.

What drove me to start was knowing what I didn’t want and paving the way in the opposite direction.

You have a history of leaving secure, salaried jobs to chase your dreams. Could you walk us through those experiences? How did you work up the courage to leave?

Fear in my life has been a driver. Most of the time people are afraid to make choices and decisions for themselves because they are left with the responsibility of their choice, of their life. I learned very early on in my life that no one will be there for you more than you, no one will take action for you to accomplish the things you want like you.

Not once did I think I was not capable. I am smart, I am determined, and only I can “eff” this up, that’s the beauty of it! I always felt I was in control of the outcome of any decision because I took all the steps possible to get where I wanted to go, not leaving one stone unturned. And, if none of that worked then it wasn’t for me and in that case I wouldn’t want it anymore.

The belief in myself is what gave me the courage, the knowing I was doing everything in my power, in my control, to make things happen for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I get scared to death but my fear of unfulfillment is stronger than my fear of failure. I know that in order to succeed you must be willing to fail and keep moving forward, it is actually the recipe to live a fulfilled successful life; I never let a job define me. I’m forever evolving and forever changing.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

My passion and drive come from a place deep down within me. I didn’t grow up with a support system, with parents or family who encouraged me to do things, to be the person I wanted to be, who told me not to worry and that things would be ok.

I didn’t have time to be a kid and experience life the way I saw other kids experience it. I started working at a very young age and before that I stayed home cooking and cleaning for my younger brother and I.

After seeking approval from a distraught mother and absent father, approval that never came, I realized that no one was there for me but me and I had to survive for me. And although it was a very hard life to live, it taught me to live in fear and use it to my advantage...it taught me to take charge of my life and in that I learned that anything is possible if I put my mind to it, if I get uncomfortable enough to change, to be the person I want to be.

Authenticity—being who you truly are and striving to be the best version of you—is the best way to “sell” yourself.

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You’re now Kim Kardashian’s trainer, after she found you on Instagram! What social marketing tips do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to be discovered by dream clients?

I’m sure you’ve heard this before but authenticity, being who you truly are and striving to be the best version of you is the best way to “sell” yourself.

It’s all about being real, and sharing your experiences; people want to relate to you so if you’re not willing to share some bad along with the good then you’re missing out. Remember there’s an audience for you out there, trying to satisfy everyone is where you lose yourself and become “just another person on the ‘gram.”

What is it about you that sets you apart? For many people that’s a hard question to answer, but it’s easy, it’s right in your face, it is exactly who you are at that moment. It’s all about staying true to yourself and your audience. Energy is felt through social media so if you are fake, you will be sniffed out quickly.

Whose career really inspires you?

Honestly, my own. I made something of myself with my own grit and determination. I lived it, I’m still living it, it wasn’t easy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s your morning routine?

I wake up very early in the morning usually before the sun rises.

I put the “water for coffee” to heat to the perfect temperature.

I read a meditation of the day or a few pages of a book about something that I’m currently learning to incorporate into my life, something else that helps me continue to grow.

Prepare my coffee and drink it by the window where the light of the sun comes in just right.

I shower, brush my teeth and wash my face.

I usually don’t do anything before any of the previous events happen. I then go about my day dependent on how I feel and how much time I have. I may or may not have breakfast before I start work or go train myself.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?

“I don’t know”

“I don’t have”

“I see other people doing the same thing”

Those are just examples of the same basic challenges: fear of failure. We usually start by thinking “hey I want to have my own business and turn my passion/hobby into money.” “BUT”, is what’s usually followed by that statement and it’s a combination of lack of money, time, support, flexibility. Fear of failure.

When we want to start our own business, specially for professional women, you have to be willing to fail miserably while having to run a household, give up your career, which comes with insurance and retirement, and then you will be faced with preconceived ideas of how to start or run a business. Fear of failure.

The good news is that there are more women owned business than ever before and we are moving toward a collaborative culture where women support each other so that we can thrive and achieve financial freedom outside of a “job.” Failures turned into success.

If I can give any advice to women about business it would be to skip getting a job and start whatever business they think about as early as they can, the earlier you fail—over and over again—the more successful you’ll be when it counts.

“The earlier you fail—over and over again—the more successful you’ll be when it counts.”

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?

This actually goes back to my only piece of advice for women either wanting to or starting a business, the earlier and more often you fail the more you will learn that failure is a HUGE part of success. These are opportunities disguised as challenges. Early humans burned themselves when they came in contact with fire, now we have an innate response that keeps us from getting too close to it...plus it literally burns.

The second part has to do with adopting a mentality of having rather than not having, by this I mean thinking and acting as if you will grow and things will get better. By seeing failure for what it is, part of success, and changing the mindset we will get through the hurdles and re-create creation all over again ;)

If you weren’t working in health, what career path would you choose?

I’d probably be a fighter—I’m actually a competition level blue belt in Jiu Jitsu and I’ve trained Muay Thai—of some sort lol which is kinda like being in health, except you really need healthcare LOL. Or, I’d be a hairstylist.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

2019: The Year of Mastering Manifestation (taking responsibility for being WOKE, purposeful, and reborn to achieve my potential).

I have a few interesting opportunities coming down the pipeline, they range from career to media opportunities. But, more importantly, I’m looking forward to not just 2019, 2020...2050, I’m looking forward to a lifetime of growth and opportunities because I’m inviting those into my life. The way I see things, every year I’ll be more excited than the previous one.

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica 

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 HEALTH + WELLNESS LIST HERE

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Create & Cultivate 100: Music: Chloe x Halle

Chloe and Halle Bailey have accomplished more in two decades (they’re 20 and 18 years old, respectively) than many can hope to achieve in a lifetime. The inaugural signees to Beyoncé’s record label, Parkwood Entertainment, this R&B duo were nominated for two Grammys this year for their self-written debut album The Kids Are Alright—all on top of appearing as series regulars in black-ish spinoff grown-ish. Keep your eye on these starlet sisters this year, because they’re just getting started.

On writing and producing their own album…

Halle: Oh yes. Our parents always taught us from a young age that we can do anything we put our minds to and not to be afraid to dive in to do something that may not be considered things for little girls to be doing. My sister is so inspiring to me when she produces. And we write all of our songs from our living room. It’s fun for us. We also feel like this generation is on this wave of learning how to do things on our own and learning how to stand up for ourselves. It’s a big thing for us.

Chloe: I feel very fortunate because we’re given this incredible platform with Beyoncé and [her label] Parkwood, but we’re still able to use our voices and tell the story that we want to tell and create the music we want to create. Beyoncé has always encouraged us to trust our intuition. I’m so grateful because some artists are not able to do that, but we are and it means the world to us.

On the first time Beyoncé heard their album…

Chloe: She said she loved it! And I’m just so happy because if I know Beyoncé loved it, then that’s the only stamp of approval I need, except for my parents and little brother. It even made my heart warm when she said she loved the short film. We like making her proud.

On what inspired their work…

Halle: During the making of this album, we were just documenting our truest feelings, almost like a diary. We put our most sensitive feelings into these words... I’ve been writing down all those feelings that you have as a young girl turning into a young woman, the insecurities and learning how to love the highs of your life as well as the lows. I’ve been learning to accept that everything I have going on now is for a reason and that I’ll end up in the perfect place...in the future, when I’m 30, I can listen to these songs and remember exactly who I was at this age.

“ Beyoncé has always encouraged us to trust our intuition. I’m so grateful because some artists are not able to do that, but we are and it means the world to us.”

On getting to work on Beyoncé’s Lemonade...

Halle: We were very excited. We get there and we’re surrounded by all these beautiful, strong black women. It was such an impactful and wonderful scene to behold. We got a chance to hang out with Amandla [Stenberg], Zendaya and all the other beautiful women. It was just such a wonderful experience. We knew that we were going to be a part of something special just being in that setting, so that was very exciting.

On the best advice they’ve received…

Chloe: “One of the things [Beyoncé] says is to let the world catch up to you; don’t dumb down your art. As fans of hers and two young girls, hearing that from her was an ‘aha’ moment — and a confirmation that we were headed in the right direction.”

This interview has been edited and condensed from multiple sources (1, 2, 3).

Photos from Chloe x Halle’s https://www.instagram.com/chloexhalle/.

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Courtney Adeleye

Courtney Adeleye is a BAWSE. Literally.

The self-made mogul is the CEO of The Mane Choice, Foolproof Body, executive producer of Who’s The Bawse (coming summer ‘19!), and CEO of The Bawse Conference. She launched The Mane Choice hair empire with $500 of her own money and business acumen from growing up with scarce resources in Detroit and putting herself through college. Her entrepreneurship paired with her unique perspective on the beauty industry has made her a force to be reckoned with.

Oh, and that $500 investment in herself scaled to $25 million in sales for The Mane Choice in just four years.

She is the definition of a hustler, but with the spirit of a community leader. Because she didn’t have a mentor as she launched her career, she’s passionate about providing professional counsel to a new generation of entrepreneurial women. Whether it’s through her weekly “Pay My Bill” initiative on Instagram wherein she pays one follower’s bills each week, granting female-driven startups seed capital through Who’s The Bawse, or sharing motivational realness on her Instagram, Courtney has an intimate relationship with her community of aspiring BAWSE babes.

How did the idea for The Mane Choice come about? What made you want to start a hair care line?

After a hair coloring experience went terribly wrong, I went on a rampage to find the best way to fix it, but I wanted a more natural solution. I started to research ingredients and hair products to help with the journey. So, I decided to make my own deep conditioner by blending natural ingredients together. I started a YouTube channel to document my journey to healthy, waist-length hair. Eventually, I shared my deep conditioning recipe with my subscribers, and most of them didn’t want to make it. They preferred for me to make it and sell it to them. The light bulb came on, and that’s when The Mane Choice was born. My husband, Wale, and I started the business with $500. That same deep conditioner was the very first product sold under The Mane Choice name, and the rest is history!

A lot of people have asked you to be their mentor. What’s one piece of advice you would give everyone if you could?

Everyone has a gift! Ultimately, it’s up to you to learn what it is and hone it. Be open minded and receptive to learning and growing—ALWAYS. If you’re not teachable, there’s no way you can evolve. Condition your mind and your body every day. Take it upon yourself to learn something new and exercise, daily. Be introspective; always evaluate yourself—polish your current skills, develop new ones, and expand your limitations.

You have such a large presence on social media. How has it impacted your career?

I’ve been able to build some new relationships and nurture existing ones. Social media has been instrumental in helping me to touch people that I may not have had access to before.

What can the beauty industry be doing better?

By not only recognizing that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and colors, but by being intentional and inclusive. All people should see themselves represented in a positive light in the beauty industry. We need to see more variations of beauty. EVERYONE should be represented, as representation matters.

What characteristics make you successful in the beauty industry?

You must be bold, creative, and resilient! The beauty industry is ever-changing, and you must be adaptable, or you’ll be stagnant. Stagnation eventually causes you to become extinct or invisible (at least in the eyes of the consumer).

What does it take to build a beauty brand from the ground up in today’s world?

It takes innovation and the guts to take risks. Find your target demographic and shower her with love and attention! You MUST listen to your consumer and be open to not nailing it 100% in the beginning. That creates opportunities to learn and evolve.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I’m fulfilled knowing that my way of creating solutions to problems in the beauty industry has simultaneously enabled me to offer livelihoods to some amazing people.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?

Try not to rush the process, yet don’t be afraid to take chances. Enjoy each phase of growth. Learn as much as you can in each “season” of building your business so that you can scale in the best way possible. Many business owners want to grow large, and quickly! Believe it or not, it’s possible to be unprepared for rapid growth, so pace yourself.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

My biggest highlight, so far, really has little to do with business. It has been the effect that my giving back has on people. What comes second nature to me, can be monumental to others. Recently, my husband and I wanted to do something special for our daughters’ teacher. She works so hard, and when I found out that she was taking multiple buses to get to work, I thought something was grossly wrong with that. It bothered me terribly; it was only natural for me to want her to have reliable transportation, so I bought her a car. It was so fulfilling to just GIVE! The response I received from everyone caught me completely off guard! It was and still is an overwhelming highlight in my life.

“Try not to rush the process, yet don’t be afraid to take chances. Enjoy each phase of growth.”

Where does your passion/drive come from?

I’m heavily driven by my family. Mostly my husband and my children. They’re my ”why!”

What are the common challenges you've seen among female hairstylists?

Typically, I’ve seen them have challenges with adaptability. When times change, and hair styles and techniques evolve, some of them either refuse to just go with it or they wait as long as they can to learn new techniques or polish up the ones they have.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road and switch gears to find success?

Just like in life, you deal with it. In the beginning, it may knock the wind out of you, but you assess the situation, learn from it and use it as a catalyst to grow. Sometimes the solution won’t be obvious, so you may have to really dig deep and request the help of your support system, and/or mentor.

Whose career really inspires you?

Right now, the owner of Amazon, Jeff Bezos. He’s a beast! I truly admire his work ethic and business savvy!

What’s next for you in 2019? What are you most excited for?

For 2019, my mission is to be on all hair care aisles, not just the ethnic/multicultural section…I am most excited about the possibilities. They are infinite!

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Fashion: Shiona Turini

Shiona Turini is bold. When she wanted a job in fashion, she walked into YSL and asked for one.

Shiona got what she wanted. After an internship, she served on the PR team at YSL for three years before moving on to jobs at magazines like W, Teen Vogue, and Cosmopolitan, then moving into consulting and styling.

Today, Shiona is the costume designer for the hit HBO show Insecure (dream job, right?), among an already-impressive resume filled with clients like SZA, Nike, and New York Magazine. Oh, and she was also a stylist on Beyoncé’s Formation music video in 2016. Casual.

Below, she talks the difference between fashion and costume styling, her aesthetic, and what she wants to change about the industry.

How did you get your start in the fashion world?

I showed up at the doorsteps of YSL one day with little notice and stalked the girls there until they gave me an internship. To be honest, my real entry was my knowledge and passion. YSL was the first major house to put a black model on the runway. I admired the history and heritage of the house as well as its foresight; it made me work ten times harder to be there and appreciative of every opportunity I had. After interning, I was asked to join the PR team and gladly obliged.

You went from a fashion editor to having your own consulting business, and now you’ve stepped into the world of costume design. What inspired you switch paths throughout your career?

I’ve been extremely privileged to be able to follow my passion for storytelling with clothing across a few fields. While every title comes with different process, my responsibility remains the same in a sense. As an editor, I worked closely with brands and oversaw the fashion and accessories market at a few incredible publications I was able to learn from really innovative stylists, and was also given the opportunity to produce content. Consulting and freelance styling was a logical next step. I saw the industry changing, I was evolving as a person, and I wanted to be in greater control of my own path. I got to marry my understanding of brand needs with my passion for creating beautiful videos and images, while still styling music videos, commercials and some red carpet. My venture into costume designing came out of my genuine love for TV and changing tides in the fashion industry. It wasn’t a planned path, but when the opportunity presented itself - it felt like the right next chapter. Still, in all spheres, I find myself asking the same storytelling questions for characters and editorials: what is the backstory, who is this girl/ character, what inspires them and what is their aesthetic?

Your Instagram is a hub of fashion inspiration. How would you describe your aesthetic?

Once an editor, always an editor. I use the same careful consideration I comb through my work with to curate my grid. When it comes to my personal style, I definitely have a recognizable M.O.: catch me in a flowy skirt or high waisted pant, and never not a crop top. I love to sprinkle in a great shoe pic - the previous accessories editor in me insists. Also, as someone who loves travel, I want my page to be reflective of the amazing experiences I've had all around the world. Ultimately, it's all about balancing bright colors and mixing two of my favorite things: fashion and travel - all cohered by rap lyrics in my captions because that's what feels most natural to me.

How does being a costume designer for television differ from everyday styling?

So much of that depends on the job, the character and the script. What I have loved so much about costume designing is being a part of the character development and evolution of a person on screen. Both have a creative root and aim to make the person or character look like the best version of themselves. But costume designing is much more real. There is no retouching, you have to be so detail oriented in the process - how will this fabric move, how will it sound, how will it react day 3 of shooting? How does it play with the other characters and how will it look in changing environments? Depending on action, we may need multiples of a look and everything, must be fit to perfection, especially for principal characters - there is no clipping or editing in post. It’s quite a different approach but it’s all about finding the best options that work for each character. The pace is also considerably different - with costume designing, there are so many elements, moving storylines, and bodies to dress to meet one vision that it is a lot more intense, and it's all about tempered fantasy. While with editorial you're almost encouraged to play up the extravagance in fashion, the costume designing I have been a part of so far is about the balance of fantasy, TV magic and reality.

What do you think people crave when they get dressed in the morning?

People want to feel like the best version of themselves and comfortable in their own skin. Style is intrinsically linked to this!

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

A well-tailored suit. It’s a classic professional look and can be broken up into separates. The ultimate multi-tasker in your wardrobe.

“My passion and drive, especially in fashion, come from a deep-seated respect for those who came before me and the roads they’ve paved, and knowing that is is a privilege to be able to do what I do for a living.”

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

On a lot of my projects, I'm given complete autonomy to create. Being able to exercise my creative muscle daily is truly fulfilling—something I don't take for granted.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

"It's just fashion."

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

Going freelance and realizing that I can transform my name into a business that people gravitate to has been a highlight. I was linked to large corporations for a large portion of my career, so stepping outside of that was really daunting, but I'm finding that the successes and challenges in creating on my own or alongside others (fashion houses, editorial hubs, etc.) from my perspective and knowledge are one and the same.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

My passion and drive, especially in fashion, come from a deep-seated respect for those who came before me and the roads they've paved, and knowing that is is a privilege to be able to do what I do for a living. It all makes me even more motivated to achieve my goals and set new standards.

Whose career really inspires you?

Patti Wilson. June Ambrose. Misa Hylton.

Whose style inspires you?

Diana Ross is my number one style icon. She's bold and unapologetically fabulous. Mahogany is one of my favorite movies - She's a vision in bold colors and dramatic flair. I also have the pleasure of working and collaborating with Melina Matsoukas. She has an incredible sense of style and vision; her finger is on the pulse of the upcoming and new and she isn't afraid to take risks with fashion.

What has been your biggest opportunity or biggest challenge?

My biggest opportunities are often my biggest challenges. When I was approached by the team at HBO to costume design for Insecure, the prospect was both exciting and intimidating. I had never worked in TV before and was jumping in mid-season all while relocating and managing several other projects. It helped to mentally change the frame. To approach the position not as a challenge, but an opportunity to learn and grow outside of my field.

What are the common challenges you've seen among women in the fashion industry?

What I really love about the industry is that I get to work and surround myself with strong female voices and opinions from all different walks of life. Still, I do not see as many women of color in these spaces as I should. I do not think that black women and minorities are given as many opportunities in these spaces. It's quite frustrating because we know the value of having different voices at the proverbial table; the lack of diversity is a disservice to the industry.

What would you change about the fashion industry if you could?

Even with as many internal issues as the fashion industry has, I would change the perception of it to the outside world. Someone, please get us a PR agency! More than anything, we're a group of (mostly) forward-thinking doers and have a lot to share and teach. It's refreshing to see now that music, art and tech, (industries people are taken seriously for years) are becoming larger, more vocal components of fashion. I think that's a reflection of outsiders beginning to understand the value of what we do and how various fields can have a symbiotic relationship with us.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

Finding new roads is all about getting out of your comfort zone - saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that aren’t necessarily in your wheelhouse, and being open to learning. There’s an illusion in many industries that everyone knows what they’re doing. Sometimes, you have to trust that even without past experience, you can figure it out. Before Insecure, I’d never costume designed but I trusted myself to take my knowledge of the industry to the department and I’ll never look back.

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for in 2019?

I’m currently the costume designer for Queen and Slim, a movie written by Lena Waithe, and directed by Melina Matsoukas. I’m excited to work under these women and watch it all come to life.

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FASHION CATEGORY HERE!

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Create & Cultivate 100: Art & Design: Laci Jordan

There seems to be a common theme with the artists the C&C team has connected with this year. Almost all of them were on the path to what they thought was a “good” career—a nurse, a lawyer, or, in Laci Jordan’s case, an F.B.I. agent. Casual.

For Laci, her leap of faith to become a full-fledged, fully autonomous artist began with a challenge for herself: Specifically, a 30-day illustration challenge where she would create and publish a new illustration every day for a month. By day 21, that bet on herself paid off (more on that below!). Now, years later, Laci is a sought-after illustrator whose work synthesizes pop culture, streetwear, intersectional feminism, and identity politics. Her portfolio is rich in colors—amplified by burnt oranges to corals to cobalt blues—and her affinity for sneakers is immediately apparent. She’s an advocate for inclusivity in the art and design space, and is passionate about seeing more women of color represented in the arts, which shines through in her illustrations of people. The reality is, you just feel cooler just by viewing her art.

Below, Laci share a bit more of her nontraditional journey and elaborates on the importance of being your own biggest hype woman.

You went from working for the FBI to Walt Disney, and now you’re killing it as a freelance artist. What inspired you to make that jump and take matters into your own hands?

Thank you! Honestly, I reached a point where I hit a glass ceiling in my 9-to-5. My role at the time wasn’t fulfilling anymore and I didn’t see much room for growth. I started looking for jobs around the area but I never found a listing or role where I wouldn’t be placed in a box. Nothing excited me.

Simultaneously, I was dealing with guilt of not being able to create illustrations as often as I wanted because of other creative projects. I decided to challenge myself to a 30-day illustration challenge. By day 21, my inbox was very overwhelmed with illustration requests from publications and brands that I admire. That’s when a little light bulb came on—I realized that with a great level of hustle and faith, I could create the type of career I want without working in a corporate structure. I decided to bet on my own magic.

Tell us how you got your start as an artist, and how you eventually found your niche.

During my senior year of college and after graduation, I did a few internships and remote design positions. Even though that experience was great, I think my true career started when I moved to Los Angeles to intern with Walt Disney Imagineering. During my time at Disney, I was exposed to multiple disciplines and and variations of art + design. One discipline that I realized I really gravitated to was illustration, in particular vector illustration. It was something that I dabbled in previously but never took it seriously or really knew how to approach it.

When figuring out what to draw, I immediately go to the things I love, such as black culture, music, fashion, etc. Those categories became my “niche,” but my niche is forever evolving. I believe I can create my way into any arena.

People look to you for inspiration, but where do you go to feel creatively inspired?

I have super weird and crazy ideas of where I see my life going and my capability to inspire people around the world. I want to do everything from illustration to working on visuals for Rihanna and Beyonce. Those dreams keep me inspired.

Sometimes there are moments that while I’m inspired, I just don’t have the energy to create or I’m having a block. When that happens if I can, I travel or I try to focus on something else and come back to the issue with fresh eyes.

I’m also a huge fan of podcasts and interviews. I love to constantly soak in information and learn about people doing cool stuff in different spaces. It keeps me going. For example recently I saw media girlboss ScottieBeam receive a contract at Wilhelmina Models. It was so amazing to see a black girl that looks like me be in that space. It’s a reminder and proof you can do anything.

Who are some female artists that inspired your past? Who do you think is a rising star?

Its so weird to talk about the “past” because while I’ve been creating for years, I’m just coming into myself and figuring out the things I’m truly inspired by. To be honest, my exposure to women artists in college and after (until I became active in social media) wasn’t the best. I knew of a few fine artists but wanted to look to someone more graphic-based. After searching and really diving into the design world, I found designers such as Jessica Walsh—her ability to create in different worlds always amazes me and is something I strive to do.

Now that platforms like Instagram are here, it’s much easier to find artists. There’s a ton of people I’m inspired by and that I see killing it in the design and creative space. When I think of rising stars (other than myself) haha, I think of people like Sage Adams (SZA Creative Director), Kelly Shami, Ravie B, and D'ana of COVL. I also love Andrea Pippins; she’s a vet in the game but her work is amazing and always super inspiring.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Three things: Inspiring people, highlighting and representing POC, and continuously surprising myself by beating my own goals and expectations.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

If you build it, they will come.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

Honestly, getting this far, haha.

For 2018, I have two highlights: Working with Jordan (three times) and a writeup on my life and work in Forbes. While both brand names hold weight, it’s not just about that for me. With Jordan, it’s a brand I’ve admired and invested my money in my whole life. I made a goal to work with them in 2018 and actually did it. Those projects are a constant reminder I can do exactly what I put my mind to. Forbes was huge to me because I thought no one was looking at me on that level, so it taught me my potential reach and true influence. Both projects were confirmation that I could quit my 9-5, which was the highlight of the year.

What keeps you up at night?

One or two things. Either I have a bunch of ideas and I want to stay up and brainstorm, or I’m tossing and turning at the idea of not obtaining certain goals—those thoughts are now going in one window and out the other, but I still have them.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female creatives?

I tend to work in a few different spaces, from streetwear to activism, and there are different challenges in each space. Common challenges are equality in both pay and opportunities. I also hear people say that they can’t find women artists or artists of color when recruiting; leading to another challenge in visibility—I’ve heard this a TON in the corporate space. Good thing it’s platforms like Women Who Draw and Women Illustrators of Color that give a directory of dope artists.

Never, ever, ever stop learning. The internet is free.99

Tweet this.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

If you’re from the south, you’ve probably heard the phrase “there's more than one way to skin a cat” (sorry, cat people). The meaning is there’s always another way to do something. I love problem solving and figuring out that other route, so when any bumps occur, I immediately try to figure out a plan B to get to back to plan A. Usually, the answer is right in front of me and I need to take a step back to realize it.

Artists have it tough when it comes to pricing talent/skills. What’s the best advice you have for artists/designers/photographers out there who are working to turn their creative skills into a career?

Bet and believe in yourself

Put in the work (do self projects, don’t wait on jobs)

Put your work out there (if not, how will people know you?)

Never, ever, ever stop learning. The internet is free.99

Have a voice and don’t be afraid to use it

What are you most excited for in 2019?

The unknown and new opportunities. I’m ready to make crazy dreams come true and embrace the unexpected ones.

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica 

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE ART & DESIGN LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Food: Ayesha Curry

Food is Ayesha Curry’s love language.

Building relationships and fostering connection through home cooking is one of the many talents that make this multi-dimensional, multi-tasking, multi-hyphenate mama so remarkable. Motherhood is her muse, and she feels closest to her faith with her kids in the kitchen. She says it’s where her balance begins and she can just “be.”

Given the amount on her plate in 2019, balance will be critical. From TV hosting to launching restaurants to developing cookbooks to her latest venture, winemaking, America’s Sweetheart will be on her grind.

What is your process for recipe development? Where do you source your inspiration from?

Try, try, try again... I love to cook with seasonal ingredients, so I usually find inspiration at my local farmers market or grocery store. I also like to take dishes I’ve had out at restaurants, say on a date night, and recreate them at home. I love taking an elevated dish and figuring out how to make it more approachable.

You’ve recently delved into winemaking. What has been your hardest challenge so far—TV, cookbook writing, winemaking or restaurant-starting and why?

Hands down the cookbook, because I took on every aspect of it from the recipe development to the food styling to the photography. I was very hands on.

You must know the Bay Area inside out. What are your favorite food spots in the city you call home?

International Smoke, Michael Mina and Pabu when I’m feeling sassy and want some sushi.

If you could have a meal with someone, living or deceased, who would it be?

Prince.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

When I see families coming together and building stronger relationships through food.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t take no for an answer, and that it’s OK to be imperfect.

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

Highlight: Forbes 30 Under 30!

Where does your passion/drive come from?

Watching my mom work so hard growing up instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit. I love to have an idea and watch it manifest into something bigger.

What keeps you up at night?

Right now, my 5-month old! But sadly, a lot of times it’s a to-do list.

Whose career really inspires you?

Jessica Alba. Michelle Obama.

What has been your biggest opportunity or biggest challenge as a business owner?

Figuring out how to turn negatives into positives. Take the mistakes and failures and make something out of them.

Take the mistakes and failures and make something out of them.

Tweet this.

What are the common challenges you've seen among women in the food industry?

Being taken seriously, and making sure that our opinions are heard and matter.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

You just persevere.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

The relaunch of my new food and lifestyle destination website, Homemade, the expansion of my restaurant concept International Smoke, and the premiere of Family Food Fight (my new show for ABC, which I host and executive produce).

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE FOOD LIST HERE

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Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Mama Cax

At age 14, Mama Cax was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer that resulted in a leg amputation at the hip.

At age 28, Cax walked the catwalk at New York Fashion Week. Having a disability hasn’t stopped her—she plays wheelchair basketball and goes rock climbing—and she’s a reminder to all of us to be ourselves...unapologetically.

Below, Cax gives her two cents on body positivity, authenticity, and what she’s excited about in 2019.

You made your catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week! Tell us a little about the experience. Were you sights ever set on NYFW?

I started modeling a year ago, and fashion week was never on my radar. There are very few people with disabilities in the fashion industry let alone the catwalk so when the opportunity came up I didn't hesitate. I knew it would be a way to break barriers and help open doors for others by showing it is possible.

You’ve turned a traumatic experience and turned it into something positive. How do you maintain that positive outlook on life?

People often assume that I’m an extremely positive person; the truth is I’m quite the pessimist. But I’m very goal-oriented and ambitious. I think what often keeps me going is knowing that I can’t change the past and the future is not guaranteed, therefore I have no choice but to make the best of the present.

How do you hope to inspire your followers?

I hope I can inspire my followers to dream big and know that they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to.

There’s a big emphasis on body positivity and inclusion in media, especially when it comes to fashion. How do you see social media changing as the movement evolves?

Social media is so unpredictable but when it comes to fashion. It has the power to level the playing field. Before social media, models were recruited at malls and on the streets by “experts” and only a select few (thin, tall, young & white) could be models. Social media has shown the different kinds of beauty that exist while giving a voice to those who have been underrepresented. Unfortunately doctored images of women are still very much present, even in the body positive community. People are seeking diet plans and cosmetic surgeries more than ever and social media is one of the culprits. I think people will continue to chase unattainable bodies (whatever that looks like in the future). I do believe that there are positive bubbles on social media; as consumers it’s up to us to decide if we are going to follow accounts that make up desperate and enviable or follow those who make us appreciate who we are.

What about your work makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Knowing that my words and the things I do have impacted people that I have never met from across the globe.

Whose career really inspires you?

I don’t think I have one specific person in mind. Women in general; those who couldn't follow their passion but raised phenomenal women; and those who valued the sacrifices of previous women and have followed their passion all while using their power and privileges to empower, uplift and protect others.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Whenever I doubt myself, a friend always tells me “ You can do it, you’re Mama Cax”—which taught me that there is power in owning your story and knowing who you are. Now whenever I have doubt I whisper to myself “I am Mama Cax” it has allowed me to not take anything less than what I deserve.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

When others doubt me or simply tell me I can’t, I get this evil grin on my face ready to prove them wrong.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I have encountered several hurdles but I think i’m relentless and armed with several plans so I always pull through. What has really helped me is having a main goal and whatever obstacle steers my wheels will put me on a different path but my eyes and heart remain on a main goal. It helps to keep reminding myself that this is not a race so it’s ok to slow down.

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for in 2019?

In 2019 I plan on accomplishing a lot but also taking lots of time for self care and pampering myself. I’m excited about some fashion and beauty campaigns I have coming out soon.

I recently started a degree in disability studies, hoping to further my knowledge in order to be a stronger advocate for inclusion.

I’ll be a speaker at SXSW in March furthering the conversation on inclusive design to discuss “How Adaptive Design is Transforming Brands.”

My biggest mission this year is to run the New York City Marathon In November—lots of training ahead but I’m excited to see how far I can push and challenge myself.

VIEW THE ENTIRE CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 CONTENT CREATOR LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: STEM & Finance: Lisa Mae Brunson

STEM industries are driving the future, and Lisa Mae Brunson is hellbent on making sure that women have a seat at the table. The social innovator is the founder of Wonder Women Tech, a platform, community, and conference series for women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The non-profit offers coding classes, workshops, hackathons, diversity career fairs, STEAM camps, community inclusion activities, thought leadership, and other dynamic programming geared towards empowering women, girls, people of color, LGBTQ, the underrepresented, and other diverse communities.

Lisa is quick to call out her industry, noting that while women constitute half of the total population, only about 20 percent of executive roles at tech companies are occupied by women. Her mission is to change that statistic, and that begins with fostering relationships, prompting a societal dialogue around inclusivity, working with Fortune 500 companies, and empowering a new generation of STEM talent.

Lisa is a modern day Wonder Woman ready to make a global impact, and she’s working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a diverse future where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

When did you discover a need for something like Wonder Women Tech and what inspired you to pursue it?

There has always been a need for diversity and inclusion to be a focal point for governments, companies, and businesses to develop strategies and solid initiatives. It became really clear to me that women and the underrepresented needed another platform that provided opportunities that went beyond the stage, and included mentorship, career development, and access to job opportunities when I developed my first Wonder Women Tech Conference in 2015. So many people got behind my vision and wanted to see WWT come to life and support in meaningful ways, from providing venue space, to raising their hand to speak, to sponsoring with funding and partnerships.

What separates Wonder Women Tech from any other women in tech conference?

From day one, Wonder Women Tech has forged partnerships with mayors, governments, schools, Fortune 500s, organizations, and individuals to create a dynamic ecosystem where policy, empowerment, and exploring the cross-sectionality of industries is accomplished. Working directly with those who make policy, and who educate our future and current generations, as well as with the companies that drive the global market, provides us the opportunity to scale globally, create dynamic solutions, and bridge the gap across industries. We also build our foundation on collaboration. Working together within an aligned partnership is what will create the greatest impact. We are not an “event,” we are creating change.

What is your advice on getting the next generations further involved in the technology industry?

Reach out and provide opportunities for youth to be exposed to STEAM fields and activities. Mentor where you can so that these students can feel empowered and see living examples of the generation who are innovating before them. Teach our youth to be leaders and watch them develop into powerful forces within the tech industry. Where possible, providing funding, education, and access to programs so there are no economic or other barriers to entry.

You’re also the founder of the I Am Equality Campaign. What do you see for the future of equality and representation in the field of technology?

I am thrilled to see more companies and organizations creating initiatives that provide visibility for the underrepresented, as well as education and community building. My focus in 2019 is to inspire people to think about how they build a “Culture of Belonging,” beyond “diversity and inclusion,” and provide the foundation for cultivating equality and a safe space for representation within workspaces and communities. The powerful movements we have seen over the last few years have provided a fertile ground for these kinds of initiatives to bloom and blossom. Companies are not only becoming more aware of the importance of equality and representation within the tech industry, but they are also putting money and support behind these projects.

What is one app you can’t live without and why?

Right now the best app I am using is WhatsApp. It allows me to keep in communication with my team which is spread across Hawaii, California, Texas, Florida, D.C., Canada, Brazil and London, as well as my international partners. This free app is a lifesaver!

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road + switch gears to find success?

I like to think of myself as the “Pivot Queen.” One thing I have learned as a visionary is that you have to take the concept of “failure” in stride. I’ve come to understand that everything I do is R&D (research and development) and it provides me the opportunity to innovate again and again. Early in my career, I used to get really upset and sad when I met with “failure,” but I have since learned to pick myself up, celebrate the small and large victories, and commit to learning what I need to let go of and what I need to improve for the next iteration. I have taught myself and my team to focus on celebrating the fact that we are still here, and we are taking steps forward.

What are you most excited for in 2019?

I am very excited to finally have our 501(c)(3) status which will allow us access to grant funding, which will allow us to create an even greater impact and hire staff! And I am excited to host our first LatinX Summit in Brazil and explore climate change and conservation, a new program focus.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

Whenever I feel like giving up, I go to my inbox, find my folder marked “Testimonials,” and read the hundreds that I have filed away over the years. The lives that have been impacted by the work we do are what keeps me inspired and committed to this work. I am grateful that every single day I am not only doing what I love, but we are creating real change that is becoming its own legacy. That is definitely fulfilling.

“Rev. Jesse Jackson told me something so basic that it was also profoundly powerful—he said, “You just have to show up.” Those two words are something I carry with me every day when I feel like giving up.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I had the honor of interviewing Rev. Jesse Jackson on my stage in 2017, and at the time I was feeling really defeated with burnout. I asked him how he continued to move forward when there are so many doors slammed and it feels like the civil rights movement and efforts towards equality are taking a step backwards. Rev. Jackson told me something so basic that it was also profoundly powerful—he said, “You just have to show up.” Those two words are something I carry with me every day when I feel like giving up. I get out of bed, and I show up!

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

I hope I am wonderfully surprised all the time. To date, receiving the multi-year commitment from Mayor Garcia and the City of Long Beach continues to be the catalyst that sparked the success and growth of Wonder Women Tech. That investment in my vision is what fuels the magic that my team and I will continue to create in the years ahead. #WeAreFuture

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 STEM & FINANCE LIST HERE.

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Create & Cultivate 100: Beauty: Felicia Leatherwood

Felicia “Hair Whisperer” Leatherwood has over 26 years of experience as a world-renowned celebrity hairstylist and natural hair expert. Her work and industry veteran status is rooted in the idea of holistic health and fundamentally loving yourself, which is a true inside-out approach to haircare. That’s why it’s no surprise that her work has been featured in Vogue, Variety, Essence, Elle, and Ebony.

You might know Leatherwood as the hairstyle hitmaker behind all of Issa Rae’s character’s hairstyles on Insecure, but Felicia has been building her empire for much longer than the hit HBO series has been on air. She’s also the go-to hairstylist for several other leading actors in Hollywood, including Ava Duvernay, Will Smith, Jill Scott, and Viola Davis (...not to namedrop or anything, but damn).

Leatherwood has developed groundbreaking products, solutions, and techniques for natural hair care over the past several decades, and she also conducts hair care workshops for audiences around the globe under the brand and slogan “Loving Your Hair with Natural Care.” For women with kinky or curly hair, her work is a godsend.

As 2019 comes into full view, the cultural dialogue around representation and inclusion continues to underscore all aspects of business. For Felicia, Hollywood’s embracement of natural hair and natural styles is a way to promote self-love and connect with a new generation through her art.

How did you get you originally step into the hairstyling world?

My mother didn’t know how to do my hair as a child, so at 9 years old, I took matters into my own hands and taught myself. The rest is history.

You also created a product, the FL Detangler Brush. What inspired you to launch your own product and business outside of hairstyling?

I needed something that could continue to support the hairstyling community with the proper tools. There just aren’t enough tools to support the health of our hair, so the product was to keep healthy hair/tresses. The product I created helps men and women maintain the health of their hair.

Working with celebrities sounds like it can put a lot of pressure on you. What’s been the biggest challenge and the biggest reward in having a famous roster of clients?

The biggest challenge is when award season comes around and I get requested for multiple people on the same day, which means I’d have to come up with multiple hairstyles that are completely different from each other. The biggest reward is at the end when I sit down and see everyone on the red carpet looking phenomenal, and the next day hearing of all the compliments they received on their hair.

What characteristics make you successful in the beauty industry?

I think my sense of humour, my knowledge of naturally-textured hair, and the fact that I am a hair nerd have all contributed to my success. I probably care about your hair more than you do :)

What does it take to build a beauty brand from the ground up in today’s world?

It takes really being open to learning more about social media and social media marketing. Being aware of where the future of marketing is going, what kind of content will keep you relevant, and what consumers are looking for as it relates to the business.

What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?

I feel the most fulfilled when people leave me feeling more knowledgeable and empowered about their hair.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?

“Don’t look at anything as a failure, but as an opportunity to learn how to do it better the next time.”

What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your career to date?

The highlight has been working on Insecure with Issa Rae and being able to create so many hairstyles that viewers feel empowered by and proud to see on the screen.

“Sometimes the challenge, at least for me, has been getting women to change the way they feel about their hair and embracing the beauty that they were born with.”

You have a large presence on social media. How has it impacted your career?

What social media gives you is more of a platform to get more exposure. So I have been able to reach more women and give more people an understanding of their hair, and for that I am grateful.

Where does your passion/drive come from?

What keeps me going is watching so many women emerge into confidence about their hair.

What are the common challenges you've seen among female hairstylists?

Sometimes the challenge, at least for me, has been getting women to change the way they feel about their hair and embracing the beauty that they were born with.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find a new road and switch gears to find success?

When ants are on a mission to get to a destination and you put something in their path, they will always find a way or an opening around whatever is blocking their path. They will always continue to push along until they find that opening. I’ve adapted to this lifestyle and however you block my path I will always keep pushing to find that opening or way around to reach my intended goal.

Whose career really inspires you?

Issa Rae, because she knows how to stay focused, she’s driven, and she really uses her success to support and give opportunity to those around her.

What’s next for you in 2019? What are you most excited for?

I have three companies that I am running and I’m really excited to watch them grow, so that I can give opportunities to more people and support their growth.

Photography by Annie McElwain Photography

Photoshoot skincare provided by Dermalogica 

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.

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