Snapchat has DJ Khaled and his major keys, but yesterday Dallas had all the keys to creative, entrepreneurial boss success when Create and Cultivate hit Lofty Spaces. The energy was electric. Attendees were on fire with their outfits and questions for panelists. And the speakers, let’s say they knocked the yee out of the haw. 

Here are five MAJOR KEY takeaways from yesterday’s Create & Cultivate Dallas. 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MISSION

We heard this reiterated a couple of different ways yesterday, but there's not doubt that buzzword of the day was MISSION. Everyone from the Soul Cycle co-founders to Stephanie Mark of The Coveteur made it clear: the goal SHOULD NEVER BE FOLLOWERS OR MONEY. You start with an idea you believe in and make that carry your business and fuel those late nights. 

"Trying to get 500k on Instagram is not a goal or a business plan." 

Tweet this. 

Soul Cycle co-founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler told the crowd that their mission has always been simple: "to put joy and empowerment into their business." 

Sakara Life co-founder Danielle DuBoise encouraged the audience to make sure that their work “is a mission driven business, because it will change your trajectory.” Adding, “When times get tough, you can make it so it’s not about you. Stay true to your mission because that is what will carry you through.”

WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, JUST WORK B.

What we see on stage is pretty and inspiring, but is also the result of late, wee-morning work hours, tears of exhaustion, missteps, hustling two jobs to fuel to the passion project, and even moving back in with mom and dad. 

At the end of day what everyone on these stages has is a propensity to work, work, work— something they reiterated to attendees time and again. 

From Annie Lawless telling the crowd: “Any entrepreneur will tell you, you are always working, but for you it’s not a job, it’s a dream.” 

To Emily Schuman explaining to a captivated audience: “Have patience. I’m sitting up here talking about all of these things I’ve done, but it’s taken a really long time. Have determination and patience and believe in yourself.”

On her early days of self-taught Photoshop Katherine Power told the crowd: “You just have to get it done.”

Kendi from Kendi Everyday said something rather similar: “You just have to decide to do it. And then do it.”

IT’S QUALITY AND QUANTITY

There is something to be said that “done is better than perfect”— which, is an adage we heard a couple of times from the stages yesterday. But when the world is watching you need to be on your A-game. Matt Crump of #candyminimal fame explained to the crowd the importance of delivering on both quality and quantity if you want to grow your following. 

“I was working two jobs,” he said, “and moved back in with my parents. But I would make sure that what I was putting out was thoughtful and consistent. If it’s your passion, you make it great, and you make it work.” 

Tina Craig of Bag Snob also made clear that in addition you need to know all sides of what you’re doing.“If you want to get in the business,” she said, “get in the back end of the business. Not just the fun. Not just the selfies.”

In the age of social platforms you have to consistently pump out content, but it needs to be solid. 

A BAD RELATIONSHIP CAN RUIN YOUR WORK SPIRIT

We heard this sentiment repeated three times and we think it’s worth repeating here. 

First, Whitney Wolfe CEO and Founder of dating-app Bumble asked the crowd to consider what a bad relationship has the ability to do. “If you’re in a bad relationship,” she said, “it can destroy your life.” 

On a lighter (but also totally serious note), Soul Cycle CEO Elizabeth Cutler told everyone, “No deadbeat boyfriends for anyone who works for us.”

This also applies to work relationships. Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power are coming up on their ten year workaverssary and told attendees, “WE obviously have a friendship but it’s business first and foremost. You have to be respectful.”

THERE’S NEVER THE RIGHT TIME

Waiting for the perfect day to come along to take a risk? Not gonna happen. 

When Danielle DuBoise and Whitney Tingle (who just made Forbes 30 Under 30) started Sakara Life they had a combined 700 dollars. Annie Lawless (also on Forbes' coveted list), who dropped out of law school and started delivering juice around San Diego in her 2-door coup, had less than that. If you’re waiting for lightning to strike, the stars to align, or enough money in the bank, there’s a good chance you’re going to miss your shot. There is someone right now taking that risk. 

Tze Chun of Uprise Art told the crowd: “When you’re starting a company just saying it’s real, makes it real.” 

Whitney Wolfe said, “There are so many days when it’s terrible. But if there is one good relationship taking place out there, it’s all worth it.” 

And Soul Cycle boss Julie Rice put it clear as day: “Whatever you’re doing now, I actually only think there is one skill you need, and that’s making shit happen.”

Get ready for our announcement on Feb 15th about the next Create & Cultivate. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear where we are heading next!!