“Let’s Start Moving Toward Actionable Change”—How Empowered Entrepreneurs Are Showing Up and Making a Difference
Photo: Joanne Pio
On Saturday, November 14th, we sat down with some of the best of the best in the industry at our Social Good Summit to talk about that buzzy word: inclusivity. It’s a word that’s thrown around a lot, and we know it’s important, but what does it actually mean to include it into our entrepreneurship philosophy? In short, it means throwing away the old business playbook and embracing the new one: the one that values people.
From fashion to music, founding to influencing, making inclusivity a priority in your business model means more than just making space. It means cultivating a safe space to let voices of all backgrounds shine! And that means addressing economic disparities, gender discrimination, racial discrimination, lack of body representation, mental health stigmas, sustainability, and everything in-between and beyond.
It can be an overwhelming challenge, but if trailblazers Brittany Snow, Noelle Scaggs, Katrina Lake, Kellie Brown, and others have taught us anything, it’s that in the face of discouragement, the answer is to find empowerment. So get comfortable in your best power position and be ready to feel inspired as we talk about using your economic power, demanding representation, finding your purpose, redefining the standard, sharing your story, cultivating self-kindness, and more! Scroll on to catch some notable quotes for your motivation board.
Psst… If you’re having serious FOMO, join Create & Cultivate Insiders to get unlimited access to all of our Social Good Summit content, including video recordings of every panel and workshop download in C&C history.
Keynote: Katrina Lake, Founder and CEO, Stitch Fix
Panelist:
Katrina Lake | Founder and CEO, Stitch Fix
Moderator:
Elaine Welteroth | New York Times Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Journalist, and Producer and Judge on “Project Runway”
On finding the path to entrepreneurship…
“My path to becoming an entrepreneur was a little bit by process of elimination where I didn’t find another company I wanted to work for where I felt like more innovation could happen.”
On falling in love with the retail space…
“I fell in love with the idea that apparel is such an important way we express ourselves, it’s an important part of who we are.”
On building a team and learning how to lead…
“I’m not trying to micromanage people. I’m not trying to tell people how to do their job. I want really smart people to work with me that I can learn from.”
On reckoning with systemic challenges…
“I naively thought the world was more equal when I first started the business.”
“It wasn’t really until living and breathing it I realized how many systemic challenges we have.
On being frustrated with the lack of diversity in VC...
“The reality is, opportunities are not equal. Privileges are not equal. All these things that help you to succeed, are not evenly distributed. Especially money.”
“Not only do I have to find someone who believes in the numbers and believes in the business, but they also have to care about women’s clothes, and 94% of [venture capitalists] are men? This is so hard!”
On using the consumer’s power…
“We have economic power, so we need to be more demanding of the places where we are transacting.”
On improving representation within Stitch Fix…
“We’re very proud of the female-representation on our board, on our management team, and our company.”
“Diversity is a cornerstone of who we are and it has been since our founding.”
“We need to see greater representation in these places where the big decisions are made in order to see the change we want to see.”
On changing who has the hiring power in the industry...
“It is the right decision to have a board that better represents your employees, that better represents your customers.”
“It’s easy to get infuriated when we see another white man get another CEO job of a company that sells to mostly women. We see that over and over again—and it’s actually the board that’s making that decision.”
On holding your own brand accountable…
“Recently, we did a study with a third party that verified that we are paying each person dollar-for-dollar for the same job, for the same work, regardless of gender, age, race.”
“For our own employees, we were able to do what we can to take care and make sure we can help them to prioritize [their children and employment].”
“At Stitch Fix, we are super proud to be a place where you can be a great parent and also be a great employee.”
On encouraging public policies to do their part…
“There is so much bias in even the notion of asking people—and, in California, this is now illegal—but asking people what was their pay before they came to the job. I mean, you are just propagating the same bias that is in the system.”
“The more we can have our leaders, our representation, look like the people they represent, I think the more we can help to find solutions to these issues.”
On encouraging individuals to use their voices...
“The good news is people are looking in the mirror and they want to see it. They wanna look themselves in the face and ask, ‘Is this the right thing to do?’”
“It’s not gonna be any one company. One company is not gonna change the world. We all have to do this together.”
Fireside Chat: Diversify the Stage With Noelle Scaggs
Panelist:
Noelle Scaggs | Co-Lead Singer of Fitz and the Tantrums and Founder of Diversify the Stage
Moderator:
Nada Taha | Apple Music Radio Host, Co-Founder, GoodCopBadCop, LLC
On reflecting on her own experiences as a WOC in the music industry…
“Looking back on my experience, I recognized that not only was I not only the only woman at a lot of my shows, but I was also the only Woman of Color.”
On making career opportunities in music more accessible to People of Color, women, and the LGBTQIA community...
“There’s this collective understanding that there’s a void that needs to be filled when it comes to hiring marginalized people in this space.”
On tapping into technology to make opportunities more accessible…
“We need to start including tech into the system of hiring our teams because everything is based on referrals and word of mouth.”
“There is a vast ecosystem of career opportunities that you wouldn’t know existed unless somebody told you about them.”
On partnering with organizations like She Is The Music, Women In Music, and SoundGirls...
“The whole idea is to bring together all these grassroots organizations that focus on bringing women up in the industry.”
On taking it upon yourself to do the work and create long-lasting change…
“At the end of the day, it starts with us.”
On launching Diversify the Stage…
“This is a collective call to action. This is about the whole industry coming together to make change and move the industry forward.”
“My goal would be, 5 years from now, every stage in the music industry is diverse, no matter the genre.”
“Let’s start moving toward actionable change.”
On leaning into your purpose…
“If we lose our purpose, we lose everything.”
On pivoting in the wake of COVID as an artist…
“We’ve had to pivot in such a way that it’s almost an emotional challenge. How are we going to be as creative as we are in a live session?”
“Music is a communal experience so it’s hard to have that some kind of energy when you’re recording it and hope people watch.”
“More than anything in the world, music helps you get through.”
Inclusivity and Representation Within the Influencer Space, Powered by Stitch Fix
Panelists:
Katie Sturino | Founder of Megababe, Style Influencer, and Body Acceptance Advocate
Kellie Brown | Content Creator, Writer, and Consultant
Kristine Thompson | Influencer and Founder, TrendyCurvy
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate
On creating the #MakeMySize hashtag...
“It was born out of pure frustration.” -Katie Sturino
“I think many of us have had that frustrating feeling of going and trying on the biggest size at a brand and realizing that you can’t even get it above your knees.” -Katie Sturino
“These brands don’t even know that they have so many more customers that they could be serving.” -Katie Sturino
“The best thing to come from it, other than designers paying attention and offering more sizes, is that women in the fitting room have flipped the script a bit, and they're like, ‘You know what? It’s not me. It’s the clothes. That’s their fault.’ And that’s everything.” -Katie Sturino
On encouraging much-needed awareness and long-term change…
It’s about waking up that side of you that has always been inspired by celebrity-style but has always talked yourself out of it cause you don't think you’re the right size to wear it. -Katie Sturino
On wanting to pursue a creative career and cultivating a voice...
“I knew that I was going to be a journalist, or Oprah, or something.” -Kellie Brown
“As I was starting to identify with creative fields, I never saw anyone that looked like me.” -Kellie Brown
“I had this attitude of, ‘Why not me?’”-Kellie Brown
On making space in the fashion industry...
“I was always the big girl in the room. There was no one else. I was always the Black girl in the room. There was no one else. It really made me want to create space.” -Kellie Brown
“I can’t possibly be the only talented Black, female, fat person in this city. Where is everybody else?” -Kellie Brown
“We exist in this industry. If you’re a little fashion kid who’s looking at the industry and thinking you don’t belong, we’re your visual representation that you belong here. We’re kicking down doors here for you to walk through. We’re doing the work so that you can join us.” -Kellie Brown
On being selective about partnering with brands...
“When I was first looking to work with brands, it was all about size. Are they size-inclusive? Do they create quality clothing?” -Kristine Thompson
“As I’ve evolved, as a person and as a creator, I’m much more aware and conscious of my power and how I can really start conversations as opposed to just showing up, and just being a part of a conversation, and just being grateful to be there.” -Kristine Thompson
On diversifying campaigns to be inclusive…
“We’re not trying to sell any standard of beauty. We’re not trying to redefine beauty. We just are ourselves.” -Kristine Thompson
“If you only assume thinness, whiteness, able-bodiedness are aspirational, then when you go to fill your bucket list for your campaign wishes, you’re only looking to those people because your mind is already made up on who’s a fit.” -Kellie Brown
On launching a size-inclusive line with Stitch Fix…
“They have a focus on the fit. They have an entire team of people who really understand the way that women’s bodies are shaped.” -Katie Sturino
“There is nothing like opening up a box of clothing and having everything fit, even if you don’t like it. That’s a luxury that I’ve never had. It’s a real testament to StitchFix.” -Katie Sturino
On empowering beauty with impactful campaigns…
“Because of the way I grew up, I never felt like I wasn’t beautiful. So I never felt like I had to redefine what beauty was, even though I saw predominantly thin white women who were represented in fashion, media, so on, and so forth.” -Kristine Thompson
“[My mom] would always say, ‘You have such big pretty legs,’ when I was growing up. That really shaped my confidence and who I was. So, I knew I was different, but it didn’t matter because I had big pretty legs.” -Kristine Thompson
“Redefining beauty is just showing up.” -Kristine Thompson
“We also have to be excited about seeing people who don’t look like us.” -Kellie Brown
On holding brands accountable for their social responsibility…
“Opportunities for real money outside of just one-offs are still a little bit sparse when it comes to Black and POC creators. And I think that needs to go a lot further just across the industry as a whole.” -Kellie Brown
Closing the Gap: Why the Inclusivity Movement Is More Than Just Good Marketing, Powered by Gap Inc.
Panelists:
Bahja Johnson | Head of Customer Belonging, Gap Inc.
Alex Gardner | Senior Designer, Athleta
Stephennie Factor | Technical Designer, Banana Republic
Moderator:
Martin Cooper | Founder, OrchisArts, Ltd.
On empowering diverse teams to cater to diverse customers…
“It’s one thing to have a team that reflects your customer base, it’s another for that team to feel empowered to stay and drive and grow within the organization.” -Bahja Johnson
On advocating for groups that are often ignored...
“It cannot just be the people of color in the room having these conversations, so you need advocates. You need advocates with the voice and reach.” -Bahja Johnson
On being able to vocalize change within a company...
“The moment I started talking, people were listening, changes were happening.” -Stephennie Factor
“A big advantage we have as a brand is that we have so many women on the team.” -Alex Gardner
On partnering with Olympian Allyson Felix…
“A partnership like this really speaks to the stance that the Athleta brand takes as a whole around empowering women and empowering girls and really prioritizing serving their needs above anything else.” -Alex Gardner
On implementing change when things seem hopeless…
“Go where the energy is.” -Bahja Johnson
“It is really really easy to get distracted by systems and places that aren’t really ready to move yet. It is very easy. I’ve been a victim of it as well.” -Bahja Johnson
“In organizations that feel super big, find your pockets of good energy. Those are the things that are going to sustain you when it’s time to push a little harder.” -Bahja Johnson
On cultivating social responsibility across a company…
“It really needs to come from the top and the philosophy of the company.” -Alex Gardner
“Change is only going to come from action and bravery and effort. Doing nothing and sort of sitting back and being consistent won’t necessarily solve the problems that we have right now.” -Alex Gardner
“Living the brand message in an authentic way is really where we’re trying to get to.” -Alex Gardner
On finding support and empowerment amongst colleagues…
“The more events we have, the more coming-together we get to do. It’s really nice because instead of just sitting in a Zoom meeting, I’m sitting with family. I’m sitting with support.” -Stephennie Factor
“San Fransisco isn’t home for me, but AANG members and the leadership team have made it home.”-Stephennie Factor
On establishing transparency and trust within a brand...
“Gone are the days when brands are sort of held on this untouchable pedestals.” -Alex Gardner
“If they’re going to be transparent, they’re going to have to make sure the data they’re providing is accurate.” -Stephennie Factor
“There is a balance of customers as stakeholders and employees as stakeholders.” -Bahja Johnson
On continuing the demand for inclusivity…
“The future of fashion is to make inclusion the standard.” -Bahja Johnson
“Being healthy, being confident, and being heard shouldn’t be just reserved for some women and not others.” -Alex Gardner
Keynote: Brittany Snow & Jaspre Guest
Panelists:
Brittany Snow | Actor, Director, and Co-Founder, September Letters
Jaspre Guest | Co-Founder, September Letters
Moderator:
Jaclyn Johnson | Founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate
On growing from failure...
“The word failure, for me, is such a difficult word to absorb.” -Jaspre Guest
“When I’m in it, it doesn’t feel great. But when I look back, I’m like, ‘Wow, that was a really fundamental moment in my career and my trajectory, and I’m so grateful for it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have grown in this capacity.’” -Jaspre Guest
On empowering people through storytelling…
“Although our stories are so unique and so different, they all connect us, and we are so connected. And that connection is what makes us better.” -Brittany Snow
“You’re really not alone. You just have to share your story.” -Jaspre Guest
On destigmatizing mental health…
“We all have something that we overcome, and I find that the most beautiful people and the deepest souls are the people who have the craziest journeys.” -Brittany Snow
“I really think it’s as simple as people having a conversation.” -Brittany Snow
“The little acts that people can do for each other is the beginning of destigmatizing mental health.” -Brittany Snow
On building a community through September Letters…
“The fact that we’ve received hundreds, of hundreds, of hundreds, of letters has been empowering, and overwhelming, and also emotional.” -Jaspre Guest
“The number thing for us has always been community. And keeping that community in a safe environment where people can correspond.” -Jaspre Guest
“It’s been so beautiful to see people talking to each other over the website saying, ‘This really helped me’, I went through the same thing,’ ‘Thank you for sharing your story.’” -Brittany Snow
On partnering with the non-profit organization Bring Change to Mind…
“We knew we wanted to align with a partner who really saw our mission and wanted to back us, and they had a great perspective on narrative, storytelling, and everything.” -Brittany Snow
On managing time and mental health with social media...
“I miss things when I am on it too long. I miss things that are happening in the world that I should have known about.” -Brittany Snow
“I’m a much happier person when I put my life first.” -Brittany Snow
On taking care of yourself first…
“Over time, you realize it’s not weak to ask for help. It’s not weak to put yourself first. It’s not weak to take a break.” -Brittany Snow
“It doesn’t mean you don’t have it all. You just can’t do everything on your own.” -Brittany Snow
On redefining the pursuit of happiness…
“Life is a little bit tough. It’s about growth. I’m here to learn some lessons on this planet to make it a better place, but by no means is every day going to be this incredible, joyous, whipped-cream-cloud experience. -Jaspre Guest