I’d been wanting to go to Create and Cultivate – a conference for female creatives and entrepreneurs – for so long, and finally decided to just do it when I saw the line up for their NYC conference. Learning from successful women like Martha Stewart, Jaclyn Johnson, Ashley Graham, and Amber Heard? Yes, please! Plus, some of my favorite content creators like Jacie Duprie and Tezza would be there, so it was definitely a no brainer.
I booked my conference and plane tickets, texted “I’m staying with you!” to one of my besties who lives in NYC, and the rest was history.
Though I was excited, I was also nervous to go for a plethora of reasons. The weekend would be, point blank, expensive. Was it responsible to spend this much despite just starting my business? I missed my kids just thinking about leaving for the weekend. I wouldn’t know many people, which is always intimidating. Was it fair to expect Doug to take on Grace/Jo duty all weekend, especially since he’s been working such crazy hours lately?
Here’s why I decided to go anyways. I knew that being a budding entrepreneur was WHY I should go. Knowledge is priceless, as is great networking. Doug is my partner – in life and in parenting – and as he said, “Time with my girls is not a chore. It’s my first priority and something I want more of.” (God, I love that man.) I believed going to this will make my work – and self – better.
Most importantly, I want to show my girls that they can do anything in life. Including being their own boss. Including prioritizing their growth even when life throws a million other important responsibilities their way.
Ultimately, investing in yourself – both from a time and monetary standpoint – means believing in yourself. And I do.
I wasn’t disappointed.
Create and Cultivate is everything you think it’d be.
A massive stage inviting best-in-class speakers. Instagram-worthy signage, booths, and details at every corner. Attendees who are eager to learn, network, and make a few friends along the way. Everyone there is from different fields, all with the common goal of being a part of something big, bold, creative, and purposeful. Just being there was motivating.
Of course, the real bread and butter of the experience lies in listening to and learning from the speakers. Below are some of my favorite sound bites from the day.
On negotiation and starting your business
“The moment I had a seat at the table, I began to think bigger and ask for more. This is the time for us to rewrite the narrative. Take the opportunity to be at the table as a way to stand up and find your route. Men are not afraid to ask, so why should we be?” – Yasmin Moaven
“Find the people who believe in you from the start. They don’t necessarily have to be the same race, gender, etc. You want people who are in it to win it with you. Ask yourself: Do they align with my values?” – Marah Lidey
“All risk is relative” – Marah Lidey
“Things are better done than perfect. Be comfortable with the good enough!” – Babba Rivera
On the important of using your voice for change
“Only the people who benefit from the status quo don’t want to change it.” – Amber Heard
On building a personal brand
“Your message is yours, and that’s your power.” – Tezza
Wendy’s Lookbook noted that it’s important to choose 3 words that describe your brand. Those should build your content and voice. For example, Wendy said her brand’s 3 words are creativity, quality and philanthropy. Decide on yours and then stick to them.
Key panel takeaways:
- Define what your “superpower” is. What sets you apart?
- Determine what your added value in the space is.
- Engagement is key. So is authenticity.
- Gone are the days of “perfect” content. Show the real. Let go of being perfectly curated.
- It’s not enough to be “one thing” anymore. You need to evolve with the industry.
On marketing and showing up in the online space
“It’s so important to own your work. Platforms (like Instagram!) will come and go, but it’s so important to have a place to share content that’s YOURS. Which is why maintaining a blog is so important.” – Jacey Duprie
“Social media is a good and important way to build a business. Keep up with technology and the trends in order to grow and get ahead.” – Martha Stewart
On building a successful business + always evolving
“If you’re an entrepreneur, you have to take the reins and ride the horse. You need to be a strong and self-possessed person. Especially is you’re going to be in business for yourself. You have to let things roll off your shoulders.” – Martha Stewart
“It’s the storytelling and the passion that sell when you’re a leader. People buy authenticity.” – Holly Thaggard
This is really only just scratching the surface — there were so many amazing speakers and moments from the day. Create and Cultivate has a recap with more pull quotes and takeaways, if you’re interested! If you’re thinking of attending one of these conferences, I have to say, it was absolutely worth it. Knowledge is power, and the women who are a part of this day are incredible. My advice is to do it!
PS – 10 Resources To Help You Be a Queen On Digital + 10 Apps Bloggers Use To Help Create Impactful Photography + 7 Tips For Productivity While Working From Home
