Create & Cultivate is an online platform and offline conference for women looking to create & cultivate the career of their dreams. I stumbled upon this brand last year at a pop up at the Aerie store in Miami Beach. I’ve been searching for where I wanted my career to go and finding my passion, so I felt like listening to inspirational successful women was perfect!
I began following @CreateCultivate on Instagram. Thumbing through the inspirational quotes, beautifully curated images and product endorsements I saw they were having a special conference in Miami! The Vision Summit. An all day conference with multiple panels, Q&A with successful female entrepreneurs, unique photo opportunities, and a chance to try women owned products!
I gave myself a goal: network with fellow females and learn from them. I asked friends if they wanted to join me and no one was committing to the price tag but I decided to go alone anyway. I was nervous, second guessing if I should drive an hour plus by myself to this, was it worth it? I’m glad I went with the YOLO mentality and purchased my ticket early, dismissing any questioning thoughts. I joined the Facebook group and saw there was a WhatsApp chat for ladies attending the event. I hesitated for a bit but then requested to join. I put it out there that I was off on the Friday before and was willing to drive down for Art Basel events. To my surprise a few girls were in town early, wanted to meet up explore the art and get together for happy hour and dinner! Before I even went to the event, I felt like I had new friends and would be going with a new found tribe!
Role Models
The Miami Vision Summit was an all day event. Multiple panels with industry leaders like Maria Molland, CEO of Thinx (yes, I was convinced to get a pair of period panties and yes, there will be a blog about the experience coming soon) who took on a role in a company in the midst of controversy. Then I had a chance to not only hear Daina Trout, CEO and co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, speak but I also got to meet her! Her story hit me directly. She was in a corporate job, climbing the ladder but just not feeling fulfilled. Something spoke to her, telling her something bigger was out there and it was time to be her own boss.
Another inspiration was Alexia Brue, founder of Well + Good. I love her blog, social pages and how she has taken wellness to the forefront. Hearing how these women came up with ideas and ran with them gives me such a spirit to go and reach for any and all dreams. There was a special Q&A with Venus Williams. So much talent both on and off the courts. But, my favorite panel was the very last one! I was looking forward to hearing Diane Guerrero from Orange is the New Black. I heard about her book “In the Country We Love: My Family Divided” which describes how her parents were detained and deported while she was in school. I knew hearing her speak would be moving. Expressing how she chose to use her platform and her voice for not only women but women of color was powerful. In the same panel Jaime Chung told the story about how while being unemployed she started her blog “What the Chung” and how persistence helped her grow into the success she is today. Talk about goals! It was a very diverse panel. The overall message was how women can help each other and hold the doors open for one another. Don’t let no stop you, keep going.
Now, there is always has to be a mix of learning and fun right? Well C&C gave the perfect balance. Amika & Living Proof had a beauty bar set up with stylists doing gorgeous braids, curls and makeup touch ups. NuSkin did mini cleansing facials with their Lumispa and I’m totally sold on the products! They have detachable heads, one for full face and another for the eye area, it works wonders! Weebly had a woman hand lettering custom notebooks and an inspirational postcard station. And LaCroix hired Lindsey Kate Illustrations to do custom fashion illustrations. I waited an hour to have this done and it was worth every minute! I felt like a fashion model, it was incredible to see her work.
“The next Create & Cultivate event has been announced. May 4th - New York! I’m tempted to fly out and enjoy another amazing weekend. YOLO? ”