Micromanaging - it’s not you, it’s me. Ok, it’s a little bit both of us.

Three ways to recognize when you’re micromanaging and what to do about it

We’ve all had (or at least heard about) that boss… the one who sends the “just wanted to make sure” email after they’ve already double-checked, the one who asks us if we’ve thought of the thing that of course we already thought of, the micromanager who just won’t let up. 

When we launched our businesses and became a leader of teams, we vowed we’d NEVER become that person. 

Then, the reality of running a team sets in: we’ve had to hire quickly without having a ton of time to onboard, we’re covering for responsibilities we haven’t been able to train people up on yet, there are specific ways we want things to get done because we know it’s the best for the business or our clients. 

And it hits us - AM I A MICROMANAGER?

From driving team operations in tech giants like Google and Apple to consulting with small businesses, I’ve narrowed in on three tell-tale signs that we might be falling into the trap of micromanaging, and what to do about them. 

Signal #1 - You’re in every meeting

While you take pride in your ability to masterfully color code your calendar down to the second, when your Shift key keeps getting stuck because you’ve been using your laptop as a placemat for the last six months, even you realize you need a little space.

Why? Because you, my friend, are in EVERY SINGLE MEETING. When we find ourselves running from team meeting to sales call to client meeting to 1:1s without time to do the actual work that has to get done, it’s time to let go. 

How to fix this?

Take a look at your calendar and get honest with yourself about which meetings you ABSOLUTELY have to be, ones you can hand off to team members, and ones that maybe aren’t even needed at all. For meetings, you can hand off, identify someone or a set of folks on your team to take it over, then connect with them to set any expectations needed for that meeting as well as a plan for how you’ll stay in the loop. For example, if a team member is taking over a client meeting and you still need to know where the project is headed, ask them to share notes and any open questions or decisions after each meeting. Regularly audit your calendar for meetings that can be removed… and remove them. 

Signal #2 - You’re making every decision

I haven’t met a single business owner who hasn’t identified being “too far in the weeds” as a challenge they’re struggling with. One of the places where this can show up the most is around decision-making. 

Yes, the business is our baby. Yes, we usually do know a quick and simple way to solve a problem. And yes, we kind of enjoy calling the shots. But there is nothing more disempowering to our team members than when we make every little decision about the work they’re responsible for. Our team members start to think, “What am I even here for?”

How to fix this?

In the same vein as our calendar audit, take an honest look at all of the decisions you’re making on a daily basis, big and small. Identify the ones that only you can make (we’re talking 2-3 at most), then offload the rest to your team members based on the work they’re responsible for. Set clear expectations for when and how you want to weigh in, how escalations should come your way, and how decisions should be communicated to you and your broader team. As your team members’ decision-making prowess increases, your workload decreases; empowering them to step up proactively as a leader while making your job SO. MUCH. EASIER.

Signal #3 - People are LITERALLY asking you for more work

This signal comes from my personal experience with a manager back in the corporate world, and the more I shared it the more common I found it was. There are often times when our team members are asking us for more responsibility, but we’re hanging on so tight that we completely miss the sign.

High-performing team members like being challenged, they want to take more on. When they are asking us to let go, we have to listen and take action. 

How to fix this?

Look across your team and think about the strengths and superpowers of each of your team members. Ask them about their career goals in order to understand where they want to be going. Based on this, identify a list of tasks and responsibilities that you could offload that lean into those skills and goals, and start handing stuff off. The best way to delegate is when we connect the work to something that matters to the team members. 

When we address these three issues, not only will our team members be happier, we will learn they are so much more capable of taking more on than we gave them credit for and we can finally tap into their full potential.

Overview

When it comes to leading our teams, none of us want to be micromanagers; but how do we recognize when we've become one? Here are three signs:

1- We are in all of the meetings

2- We are making all of the decisions

3- Our team members are asking us for more work

By recognizing these signs and making the simple shifts we talk about in this article, we can get out of the weeds, stop micromanaging, and start empowering our team members.

About The Author

Lia Garvin, the “Team Whisperer” provides business owners and team leaders with simple strategies and tools to communicate better with their teams, reduce overwhelm as managers, and turn their employees into profit-generating machines. She is the 2x bestselling author of The Unstoppable Team and Unstuck, TEDx speaker, host of the top podcast Managing Made Simple, and team operations consultant with experience leading team operations within Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Bank of America. She is a sought-after expert in the media, featured across Inc, FastCompany, ABC News, CNN Business, Forbes, US News & World Report, HBR, Yahoo, and TV News.

Work with Lia: https://www.liagarvin.com

Connect with Lia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin

The Time Management Strategy I Use to Unlock More Time for the Things That Matter

As an entrepreneur, you know how critical it is to manage your time well. When each day only offers a limited number of hours to keep your business and your life running, finding the optimal time management systems and tools tailored to your needs is key. 

Here, we’ve curated invaluable time management tips from 46 women from the Dreamers & Doers community who are in your shoes. 

Next time you’re struggling to complete your daily to-do list or wondering how you’ll squeeze it all in, try these tips to guide you in maximizing your time.

Daeyna Grant

Founder of Wolf & Owl, a color-forward, ready-to-wear brand that seeks to empower women with tailored, capsule-ready pieces for work and play.

My time management tip: I block off 15 minutes at the end of every hour to respond to emails. I don’t deviate from this schedule unless it’s an emergency. I found that I spent large chunks of the day responding to every message as it came in, which would take me out of whatever task I was attempting to complete. Yes, I was able to respond to messages quickly, but it was very often at the cost of other tasks I intended to work on that day. If a message is mission critical, I respond in real time. Otherwise, I will take care of it during my next email session.

Ashley Chang

Co-Founder and CEO of Sundays, executive assistant service to accelerate parents in their careers while creating more quality time with family.

My time management tip: A game changer for me has been putting my to-do list on my calendar. I used to have a to-do list that was incredibly long, and I never felt like I made any progress. When you put it on your calendar, you have to be realistic about how much time each task is going to take. It helps build momentum when you make time to actually do the things on your list.

Emily Kenison

Founder and CEO of RobeCurls, an award-winning heatless curling headband that offers effortless curls with a mission to inspire category-creating inventions that empower everyday routines.

My time management tip: I take a break when I need to and reconnect with family and friends. Even meeting a friend for coffee in between tasks can help give me the boost I need to come back to my computer and get the important tasks done. Powering through might seem like the right solution, but taking breaks helps me manage my workload better.

Ali Dunn

Leadership and Enneagram Coach at Ali Dunn Coaching, a consultancy that breaks down communication barriers within teams and empowers female founders and leaders to love the journey of life and career.

My time management tip: Give yourself the gift of self-awareness. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to time management is key. Use your natural strengths to maximize efficiency and delegate the rest. Also, learn your Enneagram type! Understanding your motivation will save you time in all aspects of your life!

Katrina Purcell

Founder and CEO of Katrina Purcel LLC, working with seed to Series C tech companies and nonprofits to create efficient scale and growth.

My time management tip: Don't be afraid to schedule everything. I use my calendar to schedule work sessions for large projects, lead generation activities, as well as reading or writing letters for my gratitude practice. Getting over the hump of feeling like you need to schedule check-ins with your friends helps you to create a more meaningful schedule in your calendar. Color coding the blocks also allows me to have hard data to ensure I’m achieving the balance I'm looking for across the different areas of my life. 

Jessica Sikora

Founder and Creative Director of Rou Collective, a creative studio where you never have to grow up.

My time management tip: I assign specific themes to each day of the week, such as "Creative Mondays" for brainstorming and design work or "Networking Tuesdays" for meeting with new clients, discovery calls with potential leads, or focus groups with my team. This focused approach helps me stay organized, reduces task-switching, and ensures I give dedicated attention to the projects I have lined up.

Amanda Hamilton

Founder and CEO of Hamilton Raye, a fractional and full-time recruiting solution leading the way in executive assistant support.

My time management tip: I review my entire to-do list against the available working hours for the day. This helps me set realistic goals for what I can accomplish. Additionally, identifying the most important task for the day ensures I prioritize effectively and manage my workload efficiently.

Melissa Unsell-Smith

CEO of Catalytic Icon, a peer-selected network of entrepreneurs who value connecting with their deepest desires and having authentic interactions to create sustainable growth and a balanced lifestyle. 

My time management tip: I have two pivotal resources I use to help manage my time. One is a decision-making filter I use to assess opportunities and actions throughout my day. The second is maintaining immense clarity regarding my zone of genius. If something does not align with my unique strengths, I assess whether or not I can automate, delegate, or delete the activity.

Katharine Campbell Hirst

Coach of KCH Coaching & Advisory, assisting women entrepreneurs and executives in creating rich, impactful businesses and lives that redefine what they believe is possible.

My time management tip: The biggest time waste for me is doing something I feel I should do—copying a strategy or tactic that works for my peers—rather than giving myself permission to build my way. Anything done with the energy of "should" tends not to work well. Focusing only on clients I love, offering services within my zone of genius, and using sales and marketing strategies I enjoy has been incredibly effective.

Catharine Montgomery

Founder and CEO of Better Together, galvanizing positive change for purpose-driven organizations through creative strategies, messaging, and branding.

My time management tip: I’ve implemented scheduling "innovation breaks" on my calendar. These are blocks of time dedicated to unstructured thinking, creativity, and problem solving. It allows me to step back from the daily grind, gain fresh perspectives, and generate innovative ideas for Better Together. This practice ensures I'm always bringing my best, most creative self to our projects and staying ahead in a fast-paced industry.

Jennifer White

Chief Strategy Officer of Collective Memory, a strategic brand consultancy and multidisciplinary design studio that grows mindshare and delivers market share for emerging and legacy disruptor consumer brands. 

My time management tip: I make lists for the entire week. Whatever isn't done at the end of the week gets put on a new list for the next week. The act of having to put something on the list multiple times lights a little fire to just get it done.

Caley Adams

Founder and Creative Director of Wildes District, an NYC-based design studio that specializes in luxury and e-commerce brands in the fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and health and wellness sectors. 

My time management tip: I often find myself distracted by the significant number of emails, text, and Slack messages throughout my day. To help tune it out during these focused stretches, I downloaded an app called Boomerang, which allows you to pause your inbox temporarily. Then, when you're ready to read the emails, you simply unpause. I do something similar with my phone during focused work time as well.

Stephanie Long

Founder and CEO of Mrs. SEO, a Seattle-based business offering SEO services, team training, and consulting.

My time management tip: As a busy solopreneur juggling a minimum of 10 clients at any given time, I find having one central repository for information is a game changer when it comes to time management. I use Google Sheets to stay organized, keeping track of each client's blog posts, keyword rankings, and other relevant data. Being able to easily reference this database is huge because I don't have to search around for the information I need; it's like a one-stop shop for running my business effectively!

Julie Zhu 

Founder of Julie Zhu LLC, an award-winning marketing strategist based in NYC. 

My time management tip: I've tried a few time management apps, but the only thing that has worked for me is Google Calendar. If it's not on my calendar, it's not happening! I love that I can visualize my month, week, and day—from work meetings to fun candle-making workshops. I'd recommend finding a planner or an app that you can stick to every day.

Dara Erck

Founder of SAM+LEO, a teen mental health brand with a line of vegan, gummy vitamins.

My time management tip: I take my non-video calls while walking. It may seem counterintuitive, but this multitasking approach has significantly boosted my mental health and productivity. The physical activity helps me stay focused and energized, and the change of scenery sparks creativity and fresh ideas. Plus, it’s a great way to fit some exercise into a busy schedule.

Saundra Marcel

Designer and Brand Author at Design Minded, a boutique brand studio.

My time management tip: Go slower to go faster. With big projects, people have a tendency to get scattered and rushed for no reason. It’s a panic response, and that kind of anxiety leads to unnecessary rework. Relax. Slow down. Do it right. Time is always better spent when you’re in the right state of mind.

Evan Sargent

Founder and CEO of Leap_year, building bold brands for serial entrepreneurs and visionary leaders in short intensive sprints. 

My time management tip: My entire business is built around time management by selling time-bound productized services. We do all our work in collaborative sprints with clients, so all work blocks are calendared and the process is repeatable. This means I never have piles of client work I need to "get through," which reduces both procrastination and perfectionism.

Ashley Graham

Founder, Publicist, Speaker, and Podcast Host of The Conscious Publicist, an award-winning PR and thought leadership firm committed to elevating the visibility of conscious, socially impactful leaders.

My time management tip: I’ve implemented the time-blocking method. I allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout my day—both in my business and personal life.

Allison LaGuardia

Founder and President of ALL Media, a strategic media firm dedicated to providing a launchpad for ambitious founders and emerging brands by combining holistic media expertise across traditional and digital channels with deep category insights.

My time management tip: I use immersive blocks. Instead of letting my calendar be a chaotic jumble at work or in my personal life, I batch similar activities into focused sessions.

Deirdre Purdy

Co-Founder of Purdy Marketing Co., delivering bespoke marketing solutions for tech-forward businesses. 

My time management tip: Like most entrepreneurs, I often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the week. In order to make the most of the time I do have, I've adopted a structured approach that begins with meeting-free Mondays and ends with flex Fridays. This framework allows me to start each week with clear objectives and gives me the opportunity to find a productive workflow without interruption.

Suze Dowling

Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Pattern Brands, a portfolio of brands helping you enjoy daily life at home.

My time management tip: I use the two-minute rule: if a task will take two minutes or less, I try to do it immediately. My logic is that the delegation or time that it would take to write on my to-do list would be a less efficient use of time. I’m also a fan of doing a digital detox on Friday afternoon. I clear my calendar and use this time for strategic planning, allowing me to enter the following week with clarity on how I can focus on impact.

Ariana Rodriguez

Founder and CEO of AR & Company, a forward-thinking agency providing tailored tech and operational solutions, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs to streamline processes and scale efficiently.

My time management tip: I use ChatGPT. I brain dump all my priorities, deadlines, and time restrictions before asking it to create an ADHD-friendly, time-blocking calendar. It’s a game changer. By doing this, I get a structured schedule that fits my needs, and all I have to do is add the blocks to my calendar. It has streamlined my workflow and kept me on track like never before!

Ari Krzyzek

CEO and Head of Strategy of Chykalophia, combining a balanced approach to creativity and technology to deliver transformative digital experiences for forward-thinking, women-led brands in B2B tech.

My time management tip: My day starts with a meaningful breakfast with my son, which grounds me. Following this, I get in a meeting with my team to catch up on project updates—what’s done, what’s being worked on, and what’s stuck. We then plan the No. 1 priority for the day. This approach not only sets a productive tone for the day, but it also empowers my team and keeps me laser-focused on strategic goals. It’s a powerful blend that maximizes efficiency, leverages collective intelligence, and balances my roles as a mom and CEO.

Cat O'Shaughnessy Coffrin

Founder and CEO of Captivating Consulting LLC, a personal brand strategy firm serving corporate women executives.

My time management tip: I take every Monday off for my mental health. I started this about two years ago after I realized I come into every work week at an energy deficit due to the chaos of managing a household all weekend. I spend time outdoors, catch up on my domestic and personal to-do lists, and spend time writing or in therapy.

Lindsay Gonzalez

Founder of Swim, a fractional COO service business leading early-stage companies through growth stages and beyond.

My time management tip: Keep a list of daily to-dos that help you stay confident and sane—like working out, daily affirmations, or completing your gratitude list—and consult it first thing each morning. Knocking out personal self-care first thing feels great.

Sarah Loughry

Founder and CEO of Em Dash Content Studio, a boutique team of expert writers and strategists that enable their clients to show up on page one of search engines and establish themselves as thought leaders. 

My time management tip: I schedule meetings back to back. I know this may seem like the opposite of time management, but I find that it forces me to maintain hard stops. I'm a people person, which has led to a lot of meetings going over time. By scheduling meeting blocks, I've become more cognizant of the way time is used in meetings and free for more blocks of open time.

Natalie Eagling

President of Hey Mr Media, a hand-crafted social media and video agency for growth-driven brands in Denver and beyond.

My time management tip: I work seven hours ahead of my team due to our difference in timezone. While I try to mirror their hours to an extent, I realized I’m far less productive and creative in the evenings. Now, I start my day with some exercise and a nutritious meal for my family before diving into creative tasks that require deep thought. This allows me to be super productive before my team and clients need me.

Catalina Parker

Co-Founder of Relatable Nonprofit, empowering growth-driven people with nonprofit hearts to succeed in consulting.

My time management tip: My co-founder and I have significantly improved our time management ability by adopting calendar blocking and allocating uninterrupted time for specific tasks. We batch tasks by type, dedicating entire days to similar activities, like strategy work or calls. This minimizes the mental energy drain from switching tasks and gives us a daily roadmap. By meticulously categorizing our time, we ensure every minute of our day is purposefully spent.

Stephanie Skryzowski

Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting, providing CFO and bookkeeping services to nonprofits around the globe.

My time management tip: Rather than working from a giant to-do list with dozens of items that overwhelms me, I choose three things to get done each day. Choosing just three priorities helps me focus better on each task. Because I’m not racing through a giant list, my work quality is higher.

Caroline Crawford

Founder and CEO of Cultiveight Communications, on a mission to help businesses carve their place in the world, no matter their limitations, by developing and optimizing business marketing functions through strategic consulting and facilitation. 

My time management tip: I started to pay very close attention to how I performed at different parts of the day. In the morning, I'm more energized, so I have more creative energy. By the afternoon, I only have energy for more administrative or technical tasks. Understanding my natural way of operating, rather than forcing myself to do things at a certain time, helped me to maximize those windows of opportunity, delegate more tasks, and set up a daily structure within my schedule. 

Rashel Hariri

Founder and Producer of She's Interesting, a media company on a mission to create more women entrepreneurs and investors.

My time management tip: I create color-coded calendar time blocks using the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks and meetings. This serves as my daily guide and is almost like a realistic to-do list. It has significantly helped me visually understand what I can complete in a week, and it's a simple, low-cost way to manage my business. It's also a great method for anyone who deals with ADHD decision paralysis.

Lexie Smith

Founder and CEO of GROWTH MODE PR & Communications Agency, a PR and Communications Agency for brands in GROWTH MODE. 

My time management tip: Implement systems that enable you to keep track of priorities meticulously. My team uses ClickUp; the platform enables us to set deadlines, share tasks, prioritize, automate, and so much more. Having a clear picture of what needs to get done and when allows me to set my day and task load accordingly.

Michelle Stevens

Founder and CEO of The Refill Shoppe, a leader in the bulk/zero-waste space offering 80+ custom-scented, closed-loop bath, body, home, and beauty refills right to your door.

My time management tip: Time is our most valuable resource, and how we spend it is everything. Invest it wisely—whether for productivity, play, rest, hard work, and everything in between. Sometimes, a nap, walk, or bike ride is the best thing you can do to get across the finish line and accomplish your current goals.

Jacqui Barrett

Founder and Chief Data Strategist of The Bright Arc, a data strategy firm that helps startups to Fortune 500s gain clarity on and monetize their data.

My time management tip: I’m not a systems thinker and realized that one of the largest impediments to my company growing was the fact that I had little documentation and repeatable processes in place. This year I created playbooks for everything that I do more than once, and it has paid off in dividends. I’m able to quickly check through things and easily hand things off to others on my team.

Jessica Alderson

Co-Founder and CEO of So Syncd, a media company that focused on dating, personality types, and personal growth.

My time management tip: I stay in touch with how I'm feeling each day to optimize my time. I'll have a list of tasks I'll want to complete that day. But if I don't feel productive in a given moment, I'll rearrange my schedule to tackle a different task.

Kara Sanford

Founder of WomensLaxDrills, the largest educational membership and community platform for women's lacrosse coaches.

My time management tip: I don’t schedule calls on Mondays or Fridays. This allows me to start the week with uninterrupted time for planning and deep work on Mondays and wrap up and reflect on the week on Fridays. By doing this, I’ve found that I can maintain a better work-life balance and enhance the quality of my work.

Anouck Gotlib

CEO of Belgian Boys, creating whole ingredient breakfast with a European twist so families can prep less, smile more, and indulge better.

My time management tip: I’m working on perfecting uni-tasking, which is doing one thing from start to end with complete focus. Multitasking might sound efficient, but it really doesn't work for me. Now, I combine uni-tasking with my task list organized into three groups: 5- to 10-minute tasks, 30-minute tasks, and 1+ hour tasks. This way, I can make the most of any block of time I have and get things done.

Sydney de Arenas Sherman

Founder and CEO of Admin Boutique, providing small businesses with the dynamic team they need to thrive.

My time management tip: I track my time and set a focused schedule. Initially, I had no idea what I was spending my time on, so tracking my time for a few months was eye-opening. I discovered how much I was spending on unproductive tasks. This insight allowed me to delegate unnecessary tasks and create a realistic schedule, which maximized my focus time.

Ronit Menashe

Co-Founder of WeNatal, revolutionizing the fertility industry with a first-of-its-kind prenatal supplement optimized for both partners.

My time management tip: As a busy mom and wife, I take full advantage of the flexibility that being a business owner gives me to create my own work schedule. I cram most of my workday into the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. so I can be present for my girls before and after school, and for my husband in the evenings. 

Allison Ullo

Founder and CEO of Leaves of Leisure, premium teas with zero or low caffeine, created for everyday routines, with nostalgic flavors inspired by leisure activities. 

My time management tip: I live and breathe by my calendar. To ensure I have time for everything that matters most—like brainstorming, meeting up with friends, yoga class, journaling, and reading—I block out specific times for these activities. If it's on the calendar, I do it; if it's not, it risks being overtaken by work commitments. By preemptively scheduling personal time, I maintain a well-balanced life, ensuring my priorities aren’t overshadowed by unplanned work tasks.

Tye Barrett

Founder, CEO, and Visionary of Amami Luxury, inspiring people through bold and supremely crafted luxury goods, creating a movement rooted in self-expression and the celebration of identity.

My time management tip: I manifest in the morning. This practice is crucial because it helps me clearly visualize my personal and professional goals. It reassures me that I am aligned with my passion and purpose. Manifesting also helps reduce my anxiety and boosts my productivity. In this calm state, I can effectively employ other time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, accomplishing quick wins, using project management tools to organize my thoughts, and delegating tasks to my team members.

Pamela Koo

Sr. Director and Global Integrated Digital Marketing at NVIDIA, the accelerated computing company transforming the world's largest industries, and profoundly impacting society.

My time management tip: Taking time to show up for myself has enabled me to show up for others. I wake up early to prioritize my day, check emails, and then I head to the Pilates studio. Prioritizing my health enables me to have a clear mind so I can focus on everything else. Health is wealth.

Collette DeVries

Founder and CEO of Code Financial Services, empowering small businesses with tools and guidance to thrive, going beyond bookkeeping to support business growth.

My time management tip: As a single mother managing a business, I rely on habit stacking, which is gradually incorporating new lifestyle habits into your routine by associating them with an already-established habit to optimize my day and incorporate essential tasks. I frequently take calls while hiking, combining fresh air and exercise with productivity. As an early riser, I find the quiet hours of 4 or 5 a.m. ideal for tackling my most challenging projects. While early mornings may not suit everyone, dedicating focused time at any point during the day has been instrumental in managing my workload and maintaining my well-being.

Kelly Hubbell

Founder and CEO of Sage Haus, a platform helping busy parents reclaim their time by outsourcing the mental load and creating home systems to support a healthy division of labor.

My time management tip: Buy back your time. Make an investment in you by outsourcing tasks that need to get done but don't need to get done by you. For example, after my second child, we hired a house manager who helps us with everything from laundry to meal prep, as well as childcare for date nights. Not only does this result in more time back to spend growing your career or business or spending time with your family, but it relieves you from the mental load those tasks are holding space for.

Nicky Rishi

Founder of MissPoppins, a 24/7 modern digital village that reinvents the traditional support network for raising a child by integrating a marketplace that connects parents with expert coaches and a supportive community.

My time management tip: As a twin-mompreneur, every minute of productivity is precious. I don't wear multitasking as a badge of honor. Instead, I use The Pomodoro Technique as an effective time management tool that encourages task-switching instead of multitasking. By breaking work into focused intervals with regular breaks, I’m able to concentrate better and prevent burnout. It promotes a structured approach to completing tasks, increasing my focus and efficiency. 

Dom Farnan

Founder of DotConnect, building teams, companies, and cultures.

My time management tip: I theme my days based on the type of work and time block. Generally, I keep Friday open for administrative, catch-up, and deep work. My team calls are all on Tuesdays, so our team can use an hour or two on Monday, rather than Sunday, to prepare. My client calls are typically on Wednesdays, and my coaching calls are on Thursdays. Theming my days allows me not to context switch and get into a flow state much more easily.

Expand Your Empire: Monetize and Scale with Kajabi — Free Workshop

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This Way To Getaway

Inspired by the love of travel, the Gray Malin x Janie and Jack collection features vacation-ready styles including vintage-inspired tennis and swim looks, cabana stripe sets and tees with Gray’s iconic photography. Plus, standout accessories such as a camera-shaped purse to carry in style. The collection is brought to life by Gray’s children, 5-year-old twins Dove and Max, who star in the campaign and highlight the coordinating “Getaway” sweatsuit.

“When we travel, we want our kids, Dove and Max, to be cute, comfortable and stylish.”

— Gray Malin

Meet The Moms

Jet-Set with Kids! Discover 3 tips from 3 powerhouse moms on vacationing with children, inspired by the new Gray Malin x Janie and Jack limited-edition capsule collection! Turn every getaway into an occasion with this collaboration, featuring the sunny vibes of Gray Malin’s fine art photography. 

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We’ve Asked Mary…

Q: What is your dream vacation destination with your kid(s)?

MS: Our dream vacation destination with my daughter is definitely Bora Bora. We've already explored over 15 countries, including some of our favorites like Tokyo, Africa, Bali, and Dubai. Bora Bora remains at the top of our bucket list, and we can't wait to experience its stunning beauty together.

Q: What are your tips for traveling with your kid(s)?

MS: I surely can go on and on about this topic, Here are some insights I've gained from traveling around the world with my daughter. Traveling with my daughter can be a joyful adventure with a bit of preparation. Here are some of my top tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:

1. Entertainment: I always download a variety of NEW movies and games on an iPad that works without Wi-Fi. My daughter loves exploring new content, which keeps her entertained for hours. I never forget to bring a battery pack with at least 20,000mAh capacity to avoid dead ipads, mom's this is important.

2. Snack Box: I create a snack box using a clear organizer and fill it with a mix of familiar and brand-new snacks. Having a variety of snacks keeps my daughter satisfied and happy during the trip. Sometimes the snacks on the plane are not ideal.

3. Creative Activities: For younger kids, I pack washable markers and puffy stickers. I let my daughter decorate the seats with stickers, which can be easily removed before landing. This activity keeps her busy and entertained.

4. Luggage Scooter: For older kids, a luggage scooter has been a lifesaver. It combines fun and practicality, making it easier for my daughter to navigate the airport while enjoying the ride. These tips have helped make traveling with my daughter a fun and stress-free experience!

Q: What are your favorite looks from the Janie and Jack Collection?

MS: I'm absolutely obsessed with this collection! As a long-time fan of Janie and Jack, I found the entire collection amazing. Zoey's favorite picks include the girl-style swimsuit, the white collar dress, and the adorable pink getaway sweatsuit. This is the cutest collaboration ever!

---

We’ve Asked Marina…

Q: What is your dream vacation destination with your kid(s)?

MM: Our dream vacation destination with our son would have to be Egypt. Being able to show him where I was born and raised would mean the world to me! It would also be extra special because I'd be able to show my husband as well and I know that would be special for both of them!

Q: What are your tips for traveling with your kid(s)?

MM: Be flexible - Be willing to change outfits, locations, or timing in general last minute and that's okay! Traveling is such an important part of our life as a family and if we spend the majority of the time during our travels stressing about having everything go as planned we would waste the whole vacation!

Prepare everything - With that being said, we are as prepared as possible with things our son loves from snacks, books, and creative activities to electronics toys and backup chargers!

Include them in the planning - We have found huge success in asking our son what he wants to do, showing him where we are staying or where we are going, giving him restaurant options to pick from as well, and fully including him in the full schedule planning for our travels! When he feels included we find that he looks forward to everything and helps us stay on schedule!

Q: What are your favorite looks from the Janie and Jack Collection?

MM: I love how fun this collection is! Sebastian struggled to pick just a few favorite looks, he wanted every single item and then shared stories about each outfit and where he would go with each look! So the whole collection would be our favorite! :)

---

We’ve Asked Shalice…

Q: What is your dream vacation destination with your kid(s)?

SN: Our favorite family trip was definitely skiing in Vail. There's something truly special about skiing down the mountain together—it's family bonding at its best. Here are some of the highlights that made it so memorable:

1. Ski Lessons: Some of us were new to skiing, so we enrolled the kids in ski lessons. Vail's ski schools were fantastic, with programs tailored to different ages and skill levels. The kids quickly gained confidence and had a blast learning.

2. Family-Friendly Runs: We loved sticking to the beginner and intermediate runs. Vail has wonderful family zones that are safe and fun for kids, making the skiing experience enjoyable for everyone.

3. Activities Off the Slopes: Beyond skiing, we explored other activities like ice skating and snowshoeing. Adventure Ridge was a big hit with its snow tubing and winter fun. It was great to mix things up and try new activities together.

4. Dining: We had some amazing family meals at the mountain’s cozy lodges and in Vail Village. The family-friendly restaurants offered a variety of menus, ensuring everyone found something they liked.

5. Accommodation: We stayed at a ski-in/ski-out resort, which was incredibly convenient. It made it easy to hit the slopes and take breaks whenever we needed to, adding to the overall enjoyment of the trip.

6. Packing: We made sure to pack the right gear, including warm clothing, helmets, and goggles. Layering was key to staying warm and comfortable on the mountain.

Skiing in Vail was not just a trip but an adventure filled with unforgettable moments and family bonding. It truly stands out as our favorite family vacation.

Q: What are your tips for traveling with your kid(s)?

SN: Travel Tips from a Mom of 5:

1. Stay Flexible and Always Leave Room for the Unexpected.

2. Be Open to Changes: Travel plans can change unexpectedly, so stay adaptable.

3. Have Backup Plans: Prepare alternative activities or routes to handle unforeseen circumstances.

4. Manage Expectations: Accept that not everything will go perfectly and that some improvisation may be necessary.

Reid and I always bring Plenty of Protein-Rich Snacks

1. Energy Boost: Protein-rich snacks like beef jerky, nuts, or protein bars keep your energy levels up.

2. Pack a Change of Clothing for Your Child

3. Preparedness: Having an extra set of clothes for your 5-year-old can be a lifesaver in case of spills, accidents, or unexpected weather changes.

Flying Internationally? We always find a park!   

1. Sunlight Exposure: Spending time in natural sunlight can help adjust your body clock to the new time zone.

2. Outdoor Activities: Parks provide a relaxing environment for both adults and children, offering a place to play and unwind,

3. Adjusting to Local Time: Engage in local outdoor activities to sync your body's rhythm with the local time zone more quickly.

Q: What are your favorite looks from the Janie and Jack Collection?

SN: My favorite styles from Janie and Jack are the tennis outfits, swimsuits, and those adorable prints that seem to capture the essence of childhood so perfectly. The tennis outfits are not only stylish but also functional, allowing my kids to move freely while looking sharp. The swimsuits are fantastic, with a great range of designs that are both cute and practical for a day at the pool or beach. I wish they came in my size!

Letter from the CEO

From attending my first Create & Cultivate event to becoming the CEO.

It’s Oct 16, 2021. Terrified and overwhelmed with imposter syndrome, I walk into my first Create & Cultivate event. I sit down in the front row excited to be in the presence of all the amazing entrepreneurs on stage.

Ten pages of notes 📝 later, I write my most ambitious business goal to date – “Speak at a Create & Cultivate event.” 🎤

That following year, I traveled around the country attending every event C&C offered – learning, growing, and pushing past my comfort zone. One year later that ambitious goal was achieved. I was invited to speak at C&C NYC in the fall of 2022.    

📆Fast forward another year. 

Jaclyn Johnson and I, already business partners, acquire Create & Cultivate. With me becoming its new CEO.

As we move into this next phase of Create & Cultivate, it’s time for a new ambitious goal.  

But first, let’s talk about the importance of opportunity.

I think a lot about the reason why my parents brought me here from Egypt when I was 8.

And this is why.

It’s to be able to have an opportunity like this.

But my path to get here has not been the easiest.

During our first couple of years in the U.S., we moved around a lot. Staying with family and friends until we were able to get a place of our own. As an immigrant child, who barely spoke English, I was bullied throughout most of my teenage years. I then found myself a single mom at age 23. 

Despite all of my setbacks, I managed to build a strong career for myself. First in the corporate world, working with some of the most prolific brands in the world carrying different roles at Yahoo! and Tumblr. To then betting on myself as an entrepreneur where I helped other women build their confidence, personal brands, and ultimately their business. 

I have been afforded many opportunities since I was that little girl. Most of these opportunities have come from other women willing to hold the door open for me.

Many of those women I met through Create & Cultivate.

One woman in particular – Jaclyn Johnson – who made it her life’s work to build a community to help women like me step into opportunities like this. An opportunity that many women, especially women of color get overlooked for. 

I come into this new role as C&C’s CEO grateful and honored, but most importantly, motivated. The Create & Cultivate community of women is everything to me and I commit to doing everything in my power to support each woman in both their personal and professional journey.

Together we will amplify the voices of all women – creating a more equitable environment where diverse voices are not just heard but actively sought, valued, and celebrated. Something that Create & Cultivate has always done well.

We are committed to helping every woman in our community navigate her journey from business launch to legacy, from ideation to exit.

So, here’s my new ambitious goal: Ensure that Create & Cultivate remains the most important platform for women at every stage of their personal and professional paths, offering guidance, inspiration, and community every step of the way.

I look forward to building alongside all of you and cannot wait to meet every single one of you in person!

Your biggest cheerleader,

Marina Middleton

Letter from the Founder

Welcome to a new chapter of Create & Cultivate.

Hi everyone, it’s Jaclyn the founder of Create & Cultivate. I am so thrilled to be back at the helm of Create & Cultivate alongside our new CEO @MarinaaMiddleton. How did we get here? It’s complicated.



I’ve always prided Create & Cultivate on being a place of transparent conversations and “real talk”. It's been in countless posts, signage, podcast episodes, and even my book.



Business on its best days is extremely rewarding, on its worst very heart wrenching. Selling a majority stake in Create & Cultivate in 2021 was one of my proudest moments as a business owner and yet personally challenging to navigate. This is a brand I, like many of you and your businesses, love. The community is what got me through each and every hard moment of being an entrepreneur. So when the opportunity presented itself to rebuild Create & Cultivate back alongside my partners, I took it. Why?



Since its launch in 2016, Create & Cultivate, has been a driving force and unmatched resource for women entrepreneurs and small business owners. By offering insightful content, fostering a loyal community, and hosting best-in-class events, C&C has helped countless women create & cultivate the careers of their dreams. We’ve witnessed tremendous growth for women in the workplace from massive IPOs to women in the US generating a staggering $1.9 trillion annually. However, venture funding remains at an all-time low for female-led businesses, layoffs are abound and the burden of the family still lies with working moms.

The first Create & Cultivate stage



We know there is more ground to cover. As the world shifts, so does Create & Cultivate.

We’re glad to be here.

Welcome to the new C&C.

xoxox

Jaclyn Johnson

@jaclynrjohnson

THE MULTI-HYPHEN LIFE

Chapter 3

The Rise Of The Multi-Hyphenate 

“You are not only one person! But dozens, hundreds of personalities! But boy you might never meet all of them! We try so hard to fit into boxes, that we end up suppressing some of what we are and end up living the wrong lives.”

—FREDDIE  HARREL, global  fashion entrepreneur

The Multi-Hyphen Life is about being a happier and more fulfilled person at work and otherwise. It’s about breaking out of a predetermined definition of success that may no longer be viable. But it also doesn’t necessarily involve leaving your day job. This isn’t a “quit your job”-type book. It’s also not about labeling yourself a “freelancer” and telling you to go it completely alone. The Multi-Hyphen Life for you could mean nurturing an outside-of-work hobby—or hyphen— that complements your interests and adds to your skills. A side project doesn’t have to mean world domination or a global business plan.

The Multi-Hyphen Life is the straight-up refusal to be pigeonholed or afraid to add another strand to your career bio. It is rebelling against being (a) defined by what generation you fall into and (b) mindlessly following someone else’s path. You are not your job title and instead should feel confident enough to move between different jobs if necessary, relying on your strategic personal branding to funnel, organize, monetize, and schedule your work yourself. This is not abouthaving fifteen jobs, juggling to make ends meet, tearing your hair out at night. It is an active choice to have more than one job, a career with multiple strands that suits you.

We shouldn’t assume that freelance flexibility and multiple career strands mean exploitative “gigging.” Flexibility is far more preferable—the happy medium between a single full-time nine-to- five and unsupported gigging. There is a vast and varied spectrum of options in between these two extremes. According to the Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom, at the beginning of 2016, the self-employed accounted for 15 percent of their population. That’s 4.6 million people who could do with more advice, tools, resources, direction, and opportunities for work. With institutions notoriously slow to evolve, we have to take charge of our own career paths. The Multi-Hyphen Life is about taking that control: harnessing multiple skills and housing them under one career roof.

 

THE MULTI-HYPHENATE LIFESTYLE IS ABOUT . . .

» allowing yourself space to breathe

» allowing yourself to not be defined by a box that having one job—with a title chosen by someone else—can put you in

» having the courage and tools to make big moves on the side, without risking financial stability

» giving yourself the confidence to not be defined by one thing

» letting go of thinking your job is your life, your identity, and your worth

» letting yourself add other names and titles to your bio as you go

» letting your hobbies and outside interests make you better at your job

» having two simultaneous careers or more—whatever ratio works for you

» allowing technology to help you live a happier, more creative lifestyle

» getting rid of obsolete traditions of the past

Your hyphens don’t even have to be work related to make a difference. Your hyphen could be “parent” or “caregiver” or “poker champion” or “chief knitter” or “flash mobber.” Your hyphen doesn’t have to make you money. It can be an enjoyable bonus and outlet alongside your job. Of course, additional income is amazing and can be a welcome by-product of having multiple projects, but it all starts with incentive, intention, enjoyment, and curiosity. This is a new age of employment. You manage your own training, create and maintain your job security, and build your own online ecosystem. You are running your own business—the business of you—with a mixture of skills to offer.

YOU CAN BE A MULTI-HYPHENATE AND . . .

» have totally different interdisciplinary careers. They can look dissimilar on the surface but complement each other in interesting ways.

» still be an expert in one or more areas even if you have multiple interests or hyphens to your job title

» not be overly ambitious! Having a multi-hyphenate career isn’t always about being the best or being the hardest hustler. It is about having a cocktail of projects and work that makes you feel satisfied and driven.

» still maintain a successful day job or part-time job, with career strands added on the side. The beauty of this lifestyle is you don’t have to pick just one way of working.

It’s Time to Be Unapologetic

I used to apologize for everything. I would just be sorry all the time. I would apologize if someone spilled their coffee on me. I would apologize for taking up any space, breathing air. And I always felt the need to apologize for my lifestyle and career choices. For years I have apologized for how I work and when I work. I used to run my side projects from home in the evenings and was met with judgment from colleagues and acquaintances (perhaps because I looked like I was a crazy person, trying to build a moonlight side business on no sleep). I asked my employer whether I could have Wednesday afternoons off so that I could finish writing my first book. It felt like a momentous ask, because it wasn’t really the norm. I’d leave the office on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and write from when I got home at 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Four solid hours of side hustle time. But before leaving the office every week I would apologize guiltily, make an awkward joke, and sneak out while everyone else was tapping away. The thing is I’d asked for and been given the flexibility I wanted. So why did it feel like I was committing a weird crime? Why did I feel like some of my other colleagues were side-eyeing me? Why did I feel guilty that I wasn’t using this flexibility for a more “acceptable” reason, for example, for childcare? Whatever my guilt surrounding my decision, those four hours a week dedicated to my side project ended up sparking my career trajectory and added nicely to my finances.

Sometimes we have to take risks and be unapologetic for the things we want. It can feel awkward at the time, but later you’ll be glad you pushed through. Do you have something you wish you had more time to do? Even the smallest amount of time to see whether it’s feasible? Do you think it’s time to ask your employer for the flexibility to try it out?

In June 2016, I was selected to act in a national TV commercial for Microsoft. It played in theaters and in the breaks of shows like Britain’s Got Talent. In the thirty-second clip, I say: “Millennials will have more than five jobs in their lifetime, and I think it’s very exciting.” This sentence was born out of the Chase Jarvis quote: “If our parents had one job, we’ll have five, and the next generation will have five at the same time.” Many viewers perhaps didn’t fully get it. How can you get a complicated premise about the future of work across in just thirty seconds? I love the commercial and the conversations it sparked, but I knew I wanted to discuss this in more detail.

I was selected to be in this commercial because I am a technology- obsessed and self-defined multi-hyphenate in the workplace. I have always been someone who could never put herself in a box, and for years this made me feel insecure. But when a huge technology brand wanted to showcase my career story on a national platform (TV, theaters, all over the Internet), perhaps it was the validation I needed to realize that this way of working is something to be taken seriously.

This idea of what is now safe is interesting to me in this changing world of work. Can any job really be that safe these days? The job- for-life scenario with a great deal of career and retirement security that many of our parents and grandparents had no longer exists for us. But we all want and deserve to feel secure in our jobs. People ask me these questions a lot: Don’t you feel unstable? Don’t you miss your monthly salary? My answers: One, I felt more unstable working for a company that I didn’t believe could keep up with the technology revolution (I thought some of my old workplaces were likely to fold, and some eventually did). And, two, I do make a salary, just in a different sort of way. I feel much more secure and confident knowing that by having multiple skills, I have a diverse digital résumé, and I’m more employable. The future looks unpredictable, so how can we pretend that sitting at a nine-to-five desk is stable or secure?

We are all entrepreneurs now. The very meaning and idea of what an entrepreneur is have changed (it’s not just start-up founders in Silicon Valley; it’s you, it’s me, it’s anyone sitting at their kitchen table with an idea), and the playing field has been leveled. In my head the idea of an entrepreneur was always someone in a suit, pitching in a board meeting. Rid yourself of the idea of what you think an entrepreneur looks or sounds like. Those old ideas are fading fast. If you have a smartphone or a laptop and an idea, you can be entrepreneurial. You can start an online marketplace, launch an Instagram page, sell tickets, make a podcast, or grow an attractive online portfolio. As Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize– winning microfinance pioneer, pointed out: “All human beings are entrepreneurs. When we were in the caves, we were all self-employed . . . finding our food, feeding ourselves. That’s where human history began. As civilization came, we suppressed it. We became ‘labor’ because they stamped us, ‘You are labor.’ We forgot that we are entrepreneurs.”

We are told that some of us have an entrepreneurial mind-set and some of us don’t, but I don’t believe that’s true, just as I don’t believe that only some of us are creative. We are all creative. We are all entrepreneurial. You just have to decide whether to put it into practice or not.

It’s OK to have different things going on. The common denominator is you. You are the person who stitches it all together. Juggle, grow, explore, and then whatever happens to our working world or whatever technology is next invented or whatever the new trends are, you will have everything you need to adapt and pivot. This is about giving yourself the permission to have more control of your choices and future. 

It’s Time to Start a Side Hustle—for Your Bank Account or Just for Yourself

A side hustle has been defined as “a low-risk project, meaning it shouldn’t take a lot of start-up capital.” Essentially, it’s something that encourages you to learn new skills or enjoy a passion project that doesn’t take a lot of up-front investment in time or money. It isn’t strictly work or play but something in between. Technology has broken down the traditional barriers to creating a viable side hustle— giving more people access to tools and resources than ever before.

It’s important to stay curious about the future of tech and keep our technical knowledge as up-to-date as we can so that we don’t end up with a huge imbalance of skills. Feminist author Caitlin Moran has discussed the gender imbalance that already exists: “If you look at the stats on coding, it’s still crackers isn’t it? [The latest research says 92 percent of software engineers are men.] . . . That’s like if the global language was going to be Chinese, and women weren’t learning Chinese. The future is tech, the future is coding, this is how we build the world, this is how we understand ourselves.”

Side hustling is not just a trendy turn of phrase; it is a genuine add-on to many workers’ lifestyles. According to research by GoDaddy, 48 percent of Britons who start up a side business do so to make money from a passion or a hobby, with some entrepreneurs reportedly earning between £500 and £5,000 on top of the salary from their day job. In the United States, according to Bankrate, one in four millennials have a side hustle, with 61 percent of millennials working a side hustle once a week or more, 96 percent at least once a month, and 25 percent earning $500 a month or more from their side hustles.

It’s clear we want to shake things up a bit. In the United States, as many as 81 percent of traditional workers surveyed said they would “be willing to do additional work outside of [their] primary job if it was available and enabled [them] to make more money.” That’s a huge number of people who would be willing to have multiple jobs.

There are reasons to start small with your side hustle—you can gauge interest, assess whether it might be worth growing, and avoid burnout. Starting with a small amount of your time (like one hour a week) is a low-risk way you can put your creative energy into something outside of your day job and experiment with ways you might monetize your idea. Using your time wisely means you can grow things on the side without risking your primary employment.

My first side hustle came about because I hated my job. I was miserable. The work culture was toxic, disguised by perks that only made you feel like you had to stay longer at work, and the backstabbing and competitive environment was making me physically ill. My boyfriend reminded me that I cried literally all the time (I think I’ve blocked out those memories). I got UTIs from being too afraid to nip to the bathroom in between conference calls (I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy).

So my savior—my only savior during these low moments at work—was going home and working on a project that I could do on my own laptop, from my own bed or couch, during TV commercial breaks or random free moments. It was heaven to be able to explore something different. The side hustle for me was something I enjoyed doing anyway, but I could faintly see a glimpse of opportunity in the future if I carried on doing it. Side hustles don’t have to be financially orientated; in fact, it’s better if they’re not initially. That’s why they are called side hustles: because your main hustle is what pays you for the most hours in the day.

A seesaw side hustle is something that allows you to stop and start a particular project. It doesn’t take up all your time, and it can be resurrected as and when you need it. You might want to have a bunch of side projects going that can ebb and flow depending on how much work they are accumulating and how much time you have to give to them at that particular time.

PROS OF THE MULTI-HYPHEN LIFE

» Variety makes us happier and less bored. We are all more multifaceted than we think.

» Intense periods of energy on projects result in higher-quality work. It is exciting to work on something and give it everything you have with an end date in mind.

» Your overall brand of you is the umbrella for your multiple projects. An investment in your personal brand will make you stand out in the workplace.

» Productivity levels increase when you have some element of control over when you work.

» You can earn more money in a concentrated time period.

» You can embrace the idea of a nonlinear career (aka not climbing a premade ladder created by someone else).

» You are not labeled. You are not boxed in. You are not defined by one career.

» You are open to exploring your potential in multiple areas.

» You are more employable in future years because you have

a variety of skills. You’re less likely to be phased out. You are adaptable.

» You are future-proofing yourself. You are learning to twist and turn as you go.

» You can move quickly. In a big corporation, something as simple as designing a logo can take weeks; when you’re a small business or by yourself, it can be done in a matter of hours.

Getting time back is important, and being nimble is one of the most important things companies need to focus on right now.

CONS OF THE MULTI-HYPHEN LIFE

» It’s a pain in the ass describing what you do to your grandparents.

» You have to set some serious boundaries. Work-life balance works only when you have some parameters in place.

» The character limit in your Twitter bio isn’t enough to sum it all up.

» People will still want to put you into a box because it might make them uncomfortable that you don’t have one clear job.

» You have to motivate yourself, which at times can be difficult to sustain. 

Excerpted from THE MULTI-HYPHEN LIFE copyright 2020 Emma Gannon, forthcoming April 2020 (Andrews McMeel Publishing). All rights reserved.

Danielle Bernstein Opens Up About Her Life But Be Warned, This Is Not a Fashion Story

INTRO

We’re pretty sure you’ve heard of Danielle Bernstein. If that still isn’t ringing a bell right now then you definitely know her as We Wore What on Instagram—you and 2.4 million others.

On getting personal…

I've been doing this for 10 years and people definitely think they know who I am through my social media but there's so much more to me than fashion, so I finally felt ready to share my full story. From my successes and failures in both relationships and business ventures, I'm hoping that my readers not only learn more about me but gain inspiration and motivation to go after what they want.  

On landing a book deal…

I didn’t have an agent; I was introduced to my publisher through a friend. One of the things that got me excited was how they encouraged me to be involved creatively.

On the writing process…

I originally started writing this book five years ago but decided I wasn't ready to share my story. Almost a year ago, I picked it back up and worked with a co-writer to create This is Not a Fashion Story. I was surprised by how vulnerable writing made me feel and how much work it actually took.

On the biggest lesson readers will take away…

There's so many, whether it's how to pick business partners, spot a red flag guy, or to follow your gut. 

On her favorite chapter…

That's like asking to pick your favorite child!!

On the most rewarding part of launching a book…

I've become even closer to my audience by writing my book. Being able to talk to my readers directly while hearing their thoughts and feedback has been amazing. The most challenging part, I knew when writing the book there would be a lot of criticism coming my way, and dealing with any negativity is always challenging, but something I know comes with the territory.

On COVID-19 interrupting her book launch plans…

I'll be doing a few nights of a digital book club at the beginning of June, where I’ll discuss the book with readers and be able to have a more intimate discussion with them. 

On advice for fellow authors…

I'd say to make sure you're ready and make sure that your story has a purpose!

What We're Reading: The Most-Buzzed-About Links From the C&C Team Slack Channel

Photo: Create & Cultivate

Welcome to the latest installment of What We’re Reading, a bi-monthly series in which we share the most talked-about links from the Create & Cultivate team Slack channel. Scroll on to find out what the C&C team is currently discussing and join in on the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments section. This week, the most-talked-about links spanned ____ to ___

MORE ON THE BLOG

Driven Women Who Dream Big with Ayesha Coker and Mattie James

Ayesha Coker brings the Porsche brand to life as the Director of Experiential Marketing for Porsche Cars North America, Inc. She leads a high-performing team focused on experiential brand marketing, strategic partnerships, driving programs, and the Porsche Club of America. In the midst of our new reality, strong leaders like Ayesha stand out by innovating, adapting, and fostering connection in new and even unconventional ways.

As an entrepreneur, Mattie James is a total BOSS in the truest sense of the word and she really does walk the talk. Not only has she successfully turned her passion project into a thriving business but she’s bringing the rest of us along with her thanks to her online courses and downloads that teach us how to build a multi-figure business, too.

In this episode of WorkParty, I have the pleasure of sitting down with both of these ladies to discuss how to turn your ambition into a booming business, and level up your leadership skills. If there’s one message we want you to take away from today’s conversation, it’s to dream big, believe in yourself, and follow your dreams. Join the party on social @workparty and stay in-the-know at workparty.com.

Remi Founder Freck Beauty interview

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do, but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kick-start the process, and ease some of those first-time founder nerves, we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their stories in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life profile. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty details—from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves—we’re not holding back.

Photo: Courtesy of Freck Beauty

About Remi, Founder + CEO of Freck Beauty

Remi is a design-loving, music-obsessed business owner and cat mom to Enzo in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Having grown up in cold and rainy Seattle, Remi was always obsessed with freckles, at a time when it seemed like everyone was trying to get rid of theirs. She started her career as an interior designer, but the idea of a freckle cosmetic was always lingering in the back of her mind. After attending college for branding and marketing, the idea for Freck Beauty’s rule-breaking brand voice and design-forward packaging began to take shape.

She later moved to LA, and after a couple of career changes and attempts at starting her own business, Remi launched Freck Beauty in 2017 with a hero product, FRECK OG – the world’s first freckle cosmetic. Since then, alongside her business partner and COO Des Wilson, Remi has expanded the brand into both skincare and color cosmetics, creating bold, clean beauty products for anyone who cares about ingredients, respects the process, and doesn't care about the rules.

Take us back to the beginning—what was the lightbulb moment for your business?

My background is interior design, and I never thought I would be in beauty. The path to launching Freck Beauty was really formed from a lifelong obsession with freckles. I’ve always wanted to be able to put on freckles since I don’t have any of my own (even though everyone thought I was crazy since this was a time where people wanted to cover and hide their freckles!). 

If ever there was a lightbulb moment, it was when I met my first mentor who had decades of experience in cosmetic manufacturing. She was the first person to say “this is actually a really interesting idea,” and her support gave me the confidence to start trying to put the puzzle pieces together on how I would actually formulate a cosmetic.

Did you write a business plan? If yes, was it helpful? If no, what did you use instead? Why did you take that approach?

Hell no. I mean, I definitely tried because everyone told me to, but it was so daunting that I found myself just doing the steps before writing them down. Sometimes it’s best to just dive in. Even now with my business partner, Des, we prefer to organize with bullet points, cocktail napkins, voice memos, Google sheets, pretty much anything informal. We tend to spend our time executing rather than organizing; not ideal, but that shit’s real. 

How did you come up with the name Freck Beauty, and what are some of the things you considered during that process? What advice can you share?

All of our products have cheeky names, but Freck Beauty is obviously derived from “freckles.” Most people don’t know this, but I had a ton of name revisions from the Kickstarter days to now: Go Freck Yourself (yikes, so agro); Freck Yourself (still agro); Get Frecked (too confusing to brand); Freck (confusion around our hero product name); and, finally, Freck Beauty. Whenever friends or colleagues are running names by me I always ask, “Can you visualize it on a billboard?” I knew Freck Beauty was the right and final name when I thought about it on a billboard over Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park where I live. Simplicity is key, I think.

What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business, and what would you recommend to new founders reading this?

I think it’s really easy to get wrapped up in the housekeeping of a business early on. While that’s important, it’s not the point, and anyone can set up the housekeeping. Really invest the time figuring out your WHY because it's nearly impossible to stay focused, unique, and positioned without it.

What research did you do for the brand beforehand, and can you explain how you found and compiled that research?

I wanted to manufacture a perfect freckle cosmetic for myself and my friends, but before I dove into Kickstarter, I decided to run a Google Survey. It was a minuscule sample size, but I was able to ask 500 beauty-loving strangers a couple of key yes-or-no questions in 2015 like, “Do you think freckles are desirable?” and, “Would you apply freckles if you could?” This really shaped the way I approached the brand, knowing that I wasn’t alone in wanting freckles. 

How did you find the manufacturer or production facility you use, and what advice do you have for other founders looking for a trustworthy manufacturer?

In the case of cosmetic manufacturing, date your labs. Super time consuming, but I would recommend meeting with all the small-run vendors you find from referrals (or Google if you don’t have referrals). Small production runs are barely profitable for labs, so you almost need to sell them on yourself and your concept, because they’re taking on a risk, too—hoping that doing small runs for you will lead to bigger runs. Go into your meetings as your best self, excited about your project, and talk to the lab like they are a potential investor.

How have you funded your business? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs reading this?

The short story is that I raised a TINY round, bought back those investors after nine months, and didn’t take money again until a pre-seed round in 2019. It was a horrible initial experience. If you’re going to raise money, just make sure that you know and trust your early investors. After that, Des and I basically grew the business by using small private loans. It was ridiculously expensive, but it allowed us to retain equity as long as possible until we were really ready to fundraise.

Do you pay yourself, and if so, how did you know what to pay yourself?

Nada. Des and I both had multiple full-time jobs to pay ourselves (and any hiccups Freck faced) until about two years in. Not only was it not an option to pay ourselves, but we wanted to reinvest into the company by hiring the initial team and expanding our product line. Beyond the money though, I think it’s really important to keep a day job in the early days so you’re not putting too much pressure on the concept or yourself. Starting a business is hard AF without the added stress of having to also make rent every month. Plus, if you find the time to keep motivated after your day job, you know you’re really invested in your idea.

How big is your team now, and what has the hiring process been like? 

We have eight employees now and had just one 18 months ago, which has been a huge learning curve. I didn’t have hiring experience, but I did get to talk with interior designer Amber Lewis at Create & Cultivate Los Angeles and she gave some advice that I’ve never forgotten. I asked her, “When did you know you were ready to hire?” She said, “You just know, but when you’re there, put everything into training them. You’ll be working three times as hard, but you can’t expect someone to think like you if you don’t spend the time.” That’s the real truth.

What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing a business? What mistakes have you made?

Without a doubt, the hardest part has been hiring, letting go, and trusting. In the past, we’ve hired people because we’ve been so overwhelmed and just needed someone. No matter how overwhelmed you are, it takes more time to train a position multiple times. Hold out for the right candidate who you fully believe in, who you’re excited to talk shop with, and who can teach YOU about their specialty. That’s where the most innovative ideas come from.

How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz? What challenges have you faced?

I almost completely gave up on Freck OG a year after launch because I couldn’t figure out how to get the product in front of people I knew would love it. I didn’t have the confidence to reach out to influencers and beauty bloggers at the time, and when I finally just bit the bullet everyone I spoke to was really curious about the product and open to receiving samples. I think just throw spaghetti until something sticks! And don’t be scared to try different marketing avenues until you find something that works for your brand. That being said, if you can find a CMO to be your business partner or co-founder early on, that’s a killer move that will only speed up your growth. 

For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to), what advice do you have? 

I love this question. I have a good friend who told me (after the Kickstarter failed and I was trying to figure out a way to market with my embarrassed tail between my legs) that I have “stick-to-itiveness.” That’s always stayed with me. Know that there are going to be so many ups and downs. Take it all in and feel it all. Looking back those are my favorite memories, and I’m so glad I and the team were able to overcome all the obstacles that we learned so much from.

What is your number one piece of financial advice for any new business owner and why?

It’s all about leverage. Keep as much equity as possible, for as long as you can.

If you could go back to the beginning with the knowledge you have now, what advice would you give yourself and why?

If I could go back, I’d ask myself to listen to and trust my voice and point of view more. Don’t worry about following what other people are doing in your industry. The best concepts are ones that no one has come up with yet. Secondly, you can’t do everything yourself. Find amazing, experienced partners who can fill your weaknesses and are ready to sweat it out with you. Des essentially took a percentage of nothing with the vision that we could grow Freck together.

As a co-founder, how have you developed a good working relationship with your business partner? What tips can you share?

Des and I have a really unique partnership in that we have basically no boundaries. We’re best friends, business partners, co-managers. I’m her son’s godmother, and she’s the first person I call to bitch about my ex or neighbors with. We have literally no secrets. Once I helped her get her Diva Cup out. Idk, it just works for us. But doing some serious soul searching before you decide on a partner is key. If you know you need separation from work and boundaries, do you.

Anything else you’d like to add?

In the early days, I thought it would be out of this world insane if Freck Beauty ever made it to Sephora as the world’s first freckle cosmetic. It’s been my absolute dream since day one. We’re launching online on March 2nd and in stores on April 9th, and it’s a pipe dream come true! It’s been a wild and wonderful ride of so much growth and development. If you can see it on a billboard (or on a Sephora shelf) keep it up, you’re onto something big.

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From Scratch: Carolina Kleinman, Founder & Creative Director of Carolina K

We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do, but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kick-start the process, and ease some of those first-time founder nerves, we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their stories in our series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life profile. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty details—from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves—we’re not holding back.

Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Kleinman

Name: Carolina Kleinman

Job Title: Founder & Creative Director

Business Name: Carolina K

Did you write a business plan? If so, was it helpful? If not, what did you use to guide your business instead? Why did you take that approach?

Despite growing up in fashion and having a foundation and understanding of what it meant to have a fashion business, I chose to do things my way by guiding myself with what felt right and using my intuition. I learned how to run a business the hard way without specific guidance but my own, without investment partners nor a business plan. Thinking about it now, I would say it is good advice to have a business plan but be prepared to have to pivot unexpectedly. As John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” song wisely states, “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” My approach has always been to be open, prepared, and aware of what reality may bring because it can disrupt the most detailed and thought-out plans, in business and life.

How did you come up with the name Carolina K? What was the process like, how did you know it was the right name, and what are some of the things you considered during that process?

Because my brand is such a personal reflection of who I am as a person—the way that I live my life, and my beliefs—I spent a lot of time trying to think of names that would represent just that. A meaningful word that would take this “project,” that was so close to my heart, to another level of growth and development. I went back and forth with a variety of different names but nothing was resonating. I then opted to use my namesake to just include my first name and the first letter of my last. 

What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business? (Website domain/setup, trademark, business name listing social channels, etc.)

I founded my brand 15 years ago and the most immediate action item for me was the initial filing to make Carolina K an official business and company. Then, setting everything else up that came along with that. I am so fortunate that my brother Pablo was able to help me with this process because I had no idea where to even begin. He was able to set up the paperwork and guide me through legalities.

What research did you do for the brand beforehand? Why would you recommend it?

Luckily, I’ve always been immersed in fashion and grew up playing around with rolls of fabric at my mom's clothing store in Argentina so everything came very naturally to me. Early on I had a very clear understanding that if I ever started my own label it would have to be done in an ethical and meaningful manner. This resulted in the research taking place as the development of collections happened. I traveled the world looking for artisans and factories, meeting and working with those along the way. Most, if not all, of whom I still work with today after 15 years. As I learned more about them I created a connection, and I knew I wanted to preserve the artisanal crafts, ancient techniques, and details of their culture. 

I highly recommend seeking to establish a true partnership, meet who you work with in person, get to know your suppliers, test each of them out with small projects so that you can scale accordingly and grow together. Growth is great, but it’s beautiful when you can do it together.

How did you find and identify the manufacturers that you work with? What makes a successful partnership and what advice can you share for fellow business owners on finding the right partners?

I found many of my suppliers, manufacturers, and artisans throughout my travels prior to starting my company and throughout its growth. Still to this day when I travel, I often visit markets or attend festivals and celebrations in small towns or cities. At both places, I often run into a variety of artisans that sell items I end up falling in love with. I then strike up a conversation which usually leads me to placing a small order. This allows me to ensure their responsiveness and reliability. If things go well, I take them under my wing and continue to work with them long-term. To this day, we employ around 300 artisans worldwide that I’ve met and maintained relationships with for the last 15 years. I cannot express how important it is to really know who you are working with and cultivate those relationships to assure that the best materials are being sourced and used. Especially, in my case where we make sure to use eco-friendly materials that do not harm the environment.

Did you self-fund the company? If so, how did you bootstrap it? Did you do a friends-and-family round? Or did you raise seed money or initial investment money? If so, how much, and what was that process like for you? What path would you recommend?

Carolina K is a fully self-funded brand. In my early twenties, I was living in Los Angeles working towards being a musician and I would take small jobs here and there in styling or other projects in fashion. I later went back to Argentina where a woman that I knew offered me a 90-day term on fabric, leading me to design my first collection under the Carolina K brand. All I could afford was a one-way ticket to New York City. I took a leap of faith and flew there with the intention of selling it. The full collection sold out in just one weekend! 

I paid off what I owed for the fabric and put the rest of the money back into the business. I repeated this cycle over and over; money always went back into the business. I must say, the journey has been hard. I didn’t study business, and it took me a long time to learn the business portion. Plenty of trial and error, especially when I was living outside of Tepoztlán, Mexico, and did not have internet access at home. Based on my struggles of scaling the business, I think I would advise others to connect and work with people that you trust and that are knowledgeable in areas that you may not be. For me, it would have been someone more understanding of the business side of things early on.

How much did you decide to pay yourself? How did you determine what to pay yourself? 

To be fully transparent, I only had one employee for the first nine years. As a result, I didn’t see the need to pay myself a fixed salary up until the point my company really started to scale. All of the hats I wear as an entrepreneur and a creative is a lot of work, but I love every minute of it, and I know we will continue to grow and meet our financial goals.

How big is your team now, and what has the hiring process been like? Did you have any hiring experience? If not, how did you learn and what have you learned about it along the way?

At the moment, my team consists of seven employees and myself. Many of them came into my life at the right moment and time, hired on organically as well as the traditional hiring path of creating a listing on LinkedIn and interviewing. The organic path is always the best and most interesting; we either were introduced to each other by mutual friends or timing just led us to meet. The traditional path is always fun, as we meet a variety of new characters and hire based on who is the most fitting of the position and company culture.

Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and setup? Are there any programs you recommend for bookkeeping?

Yes, as we started to scale and needed more assistance in finances we hired an accountant. I do feel that having a great accountant in-house is key. Having a strong person dedicated to finance is something that makes the growth of the brand much smoother. I found that Quickbooks is great if the brand is based in the United States. Two other programs that I advise for clothing brands are AIMS 360, a production management and processing software, and Joor, a platform used to connect with buyers for wholesale. These have been great in assisting my team with production and sales, automating the process, and leaving less room for human error.  

What has been the biggest learning curve during the process of establishing your business?

The biggest learning curve and challenge for me was learning how to seamlessly work with those outside of my brand while still maintaining important values such as caring and paying attention to customer needs while maintaining an eco-friendly brand. In our early years, I had to learn to block out the noise of buyers that would put us down or showrooms that wanted to mold our brand into something that it wasn’t. I realized that I had to trust myself, my good intentions, and work hard despite the external obstacles. 

What is the most rewarding part of running Carolina K?

My favorite part of my brand is working with artisans. This means there is no fabric waste nor is there any contamination, and together we are working to maintain their ancient craftsmanship techniques. I quickly learned that even all of the positives can bring challenges. In the first eight years, every piece by Carolina K was made entirely by hand, but it got to the point where the artisans were unable to manage our growing purchasing demand. As a result, they sometimes were late to delivery deadlines that had to be met as they were dependent on sales. Trying to scale growth for the brand became challenging at that point. I then decided to develop prints that would complement and resonate with the hand-made pieces to assist in speeding up production. I traveled to India and partnered with very small print factories and later discovered skilled male embroiderers. We still work with both to this day and they too work with love and passion.

How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?

The buzz happened organically. I started participating in trade shows in New York and in Paris and met other designers and buyers. As more purchases happened, I began expanding my reach at multi-brand stores and became more well known and established.

In 2014, I opened my first store in Williamsburg, New York while I was still living in Tepoztlán, Mexico. In 2015, an opportunity presented itself to move to Miami and we moved forward in doing so along with closing our Williamsburg store and opening a store at the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach. That allowed for more visibility because of the hotel location. We began hosting branded events and fashion shows that attracted and led me to meet and dress interesting and like-minded people, resulting in more recognition and brand awareness on a global level. 

Years of growth also led to the understanding that working with a good PR company can be beneficial if you’re able to align on goals and beliefs. Our journey has been a slow but organic and meaningful one.

Do you have a business coach or mentor? If so, how has this person helped, and would you recommend one to other founders? How do you get one?

I do not have a business coach at the moment, but I did in 2019. I met this coach through mutual friends and having a coach really helped me establish important skills like how to manage my team better and how to set and achieve milestone goals for the business. The most important lesson that I attained from having a business coach was learning that I must build my brand around my lifestyle so it serves me, my personal beliefs, and my necessities. I did not want to be in a position where working consumed all of me. I found it very helpful to work with someone on strategy and learn more about the areas that you are unsure of so that you can learn to master them. I completely recommend looking into business coaching when it is financially feasible. 

How has COVID-19 impacted your business operations and financials? What tactics and strategies have you put in place to pivot and ensure your business is successful through this period?

COVID-19 was a very challenging time for my brand as well as almost every other fashion brand. We saw orders being canceled or delayed frequently at the start of the pandemic and we had no idea what to expect or what was to come. Due to the national shortage of masks, we began to work with our artisans to design and donate them to organizations that would get them into the hands of those in need. As things began to calm down and stores began to open again, we started to see retailers requesting their original orders, and we realized how lucky we were to have that support.

COVID-19 put many things into perspective—one being the need to pivot and put more backing into the direct-to-consumer model for our brand. We took this opportunity to strategically develop a more curated approach to our wholesale and work towards the positives this brought for the development of direct-to-consumer. It is important to take challenging times and try to find the positives in order to accomplish growth.

What short-term changes will be crucial to your business strategy long-term post-COVID-19 and what plans are you making for when we get back to “normal?” 

One short-term change due to COVID-19 that will be crucial to our business strategy, is the number of collections that we drop moving forward. In 2019, I was growing tired of doing so many collections; it didn’t feel authentic to my brand but rather robotic and stressful. Post COVID-19 we have opted to make collections less frequently and focus on making them better, more meaningful, and mindful. A great example is that this year we are skipping Fall/Winter ’21 and, instead, replacing it with a Zero Waste collection. This collection is designed with only repurposed fabrics from past collections and many are one-of-a-kind styles. We have also focused on our home collection expansion. It has been around since 2014, but this year brought the opportunity to focus on its growth. I’m excited to share that we are currently working on our five-year strategy, and there are plenty of great things ahead for the brand.

What advice can you share for small business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs who are also reeling in response to COVID-19?

I would give small business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs the same advice I keep telling myself. Stay positive, keep moving forward, take time to do a bit less so that you are able to make decisions with a clear mind and a clear vision. Make sure that what you do and decide has your heart in it. It took me 15 years to build this brand; I won’t let it fall apart in one to two years of crisis. 

Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Kleinman

What is one thing you didn’t do during the setup process that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do asap?

The one thing that I didn’t do during the setup of my company was take the time to dive deep into understanding the business side of my brand and the fashion industry as a whole. It is very crucial to understand or have the correct people around you to advise. If you are a creative person like me, having someone managing the business side allows you to dream big while they point you in the right direction to set up structure, goals, and strategies to help you achieve your big dream.

For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to), what advice do you have?

If you are creating something from the bottom of your heart that is authentic to you, you will be just fine. Be sure to always find your own voice, be ethical and conscious of the planet, don’t look to what others are doing unless there is something you can learn from them, and be consistent. There is so much going on in the world but remember that each of us is unique and has our own point of view and each and everyone one of us should find that value in ourselves, always.

What is your number one piece of financial advice for any new business owner and why?

Always stay within your budget, make sure to calculate numbers beforehand, and do not overspend. There is plenty of time to grow organically and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You cannot expect results overnight. I read an interview with Patti Smith where she mentions a quote by William Burroughs that I always go back to when tough decisions come up or when my patience runs out: “Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises. Don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned with doing good work. And make the right choices and protect your work. And if you can build a good name, eventually that name will be its own currency.” -William Burroughs

If you could go back to the beginning with the knowledge you have now, what advice would you give yourself and why?

I would tell myself to take some business classes and make the time to really understand. Remember to maintain consistency as that is the key to success. Lastly, continue to trust my intuition and always listen to my inner voice. She will never lead me astray. 

Anything else to add?

Stay passionate and remember to always have fun, as it is the journey that matters and not the destination.

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