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Paige Arnof-Fenn is the ultimate Boss Babe. An accidental entrepreneur, she started her career on Wall Street and built an enviable career before jumping all in to launch her own company, Mavens and Moguls. Paige was formerly VP of marketing at Zipcar. She was responsible for all branding, corporate communications and corporate partnerships for the business and was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for this early stage company. With the skills she learnt here, it was a no brainer that one day she would be the owner of her own company.

Here, she tells us more about building her empire and her passion for knitting…

You’re the founder of Mavens and Moguls, can you tell me about the journey that lead you to launching your company.
I did not plan on starting a company. I always wanted to go work for a large multi-national business and be a Fortune 500 CEO. When I was a student I looked at leaders like Meg Whitman & Ursula Burns as my role models. I started my career on Wall Street in the 80s and had a successful career in Corporate America at companies like Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola and worked at 3 different startups as the head of marketing. I took the leap right after 9/11 when the company I worked for cut their marketing. I had nothing to lose. Being an entrepreneur provides me a platform to do work I truly enjoy with and for people I respect. I get to set my priorities, I have time to travel and hang out with my inner circle, and work out every day. It has been a journey to get here but I am lucky to have found it. I love the autonomy, flexibility and the fact that I know every day the impact that I have on my business. When I worked at big companies I always felt the ball would roll with or without me, that if I got hit by a bus someone new would be in my office right away. Now my DNA is in everything we do and I can trace every decision and sale to something I did or a decision I made and that is incredibly gratifying and fulfilling. Like most entrepreneurs, I am working harder and longer than ever and I have never been happier. Working for yourself and building a business you started in incredibly rewarding and gratifying. It has been a lot of fun, I joke that I am the accidental entrepreneur. I knew I had made it as an entrepreneur when Harvard wrote 2 case studies on my business a few years after I started it, we were very early to pioneer sharing resources on the marketing front (before my company it was really only done with HR, legal and accounting/finance).

You have an impressive back story and I love hearing how you developed your skills whilst working for major corporations before going it alone. How did that leap feel?
It felt like the right next step for me, at that time in the economy post 9/11 funding dried up and companies were conserving cash so there really were no marketing jobs open. Because I had run marketing at 3 successful startups that all had good exits I knew a lot of people in venture capital and private equity who had portfolio companies that needed marketing help on an outsourced or interim basis so I hung out a shingle and found some old colleagues who were also available and we jumped right in. I called the women the marketing mavens and the guys the marketing moguls and we’ve been at it now for18 years! It did not feel risky at all because we had clients from the very beginning. I am still having fun!

Tell us about a recent BossBabe moment that you have had…
For fun I enjoy knitting and I am in knitting group that meets every week in a local coffee shop. I have only been knitting a few years and I am by far the worst knitter in the group so everyone helps me when I make mistakes. We really do not talk about work at all in the group but people have seen my signature in e-mails that I am the founder & CEO of a company. A few weeks ago a new person showed up for our knitting group and as soon as she sat down she recognized me from a talk I gave years ago. She is also an entrepreneur and belongs to a very high profile organization that had brought me in for a keynote speech at one of their big events. She is an excellent knitter too. She immediately tells the group all about me, my company, how great my talk was, etc. She still remembered things I had said in the talk and how great my advice was, etc. I think the group was amazed she was such a fan and I was so well respected in my field given they have only known me for a few years as a terrible knitter The woman is now a regular in our group and I think they all see me in new light now more as a beginner knitter with potential who has other strengths and is a BossBabe in other parts of her life. They are also asking to send me referrals now which is great! Plus my knitting is slowly but surely getting better now too!

Marketing matters. What advice would you give to anyone who is planning on launching a brand in 2020…
Branding is very important to growing your business because if you do not brand yourself then the market will brand you instead. The single most important ingredient to creating a great brand is authenticity and here are a few tips from my experience to help establish an authentic brand without spending a lot of money:

  • Be original. What makes you unique or special?
  • Be creative. How do you want people to think & feel after interacting with you vs. your competition?
  • Be honest. Let your brand be known for speaking the truth, and you become the trusted advocate and go-to source.
  • Be relevant. Brands aren’t created in a vacuum.
  • Be consistent. Develop a cohesive message, and live it every day.
  • Be passionate. Everyone loves to work with people who are passionate about what they do; it makes life much more fun and interesting.

There will be new tools and technologies coming for sure but here are some trends to leverage to grow your audience in the new year:

* Smart speakers and voice search are growing in importance so being able to optimize for voice search will be key to maximize the marketing and advertising opportunities on Siri, Alexa, Google Home, etc. I predict that the brands that perfect the “branded skill” with more customer-friendly, less invasive ads are going to win big. Are you prepared when customers ask your specific brand for help like “Alexa ask Nestle for an oatmeal cookie recipe” if not you are missing a big opportunity!

* Live video will grow in importance – live streaming is available on every major social media platform and it is only getting bigger to hook in users with short attention spans, in a mobile first world, you have less time to grab people, attention spans are shorter than ever so video will be used even more, show don’t tell for maximum impact, rich content drives engagement.

* Interactive marketing soars — brands will drive engagement even more with polls, surveys, quizzes, contests, interactive videos, etc. to grab audience attention even quicker

* AI-powered chatbots cut costs and convert visitors into leads by encouraging themed content to answer FAQs with voice search friendly semantic keyword phrases, is your content strategy ready?

* More confidence in trusted content, friends and influencers than advertising — the world has been moving this way for years with people seeking their friends’ and influencers’ opinions and advice online on what to buy, where to go, and what to do more than a paid ad or fancily packaged content. Customers are savvy today they are happy to buy what they want and need but they do not like to be sold things. Curated content and ideas from a trusted source beat paid content every time. Partnering and building relationships with the right influencers with content that is co-created helps brands scale and grow faster and amplify and boost their message

* Authentic relationships beat marketing automation — technology runs our lives more than ever but it is relationships that drive business and commerce so people will find more ways to connect in person to build trust and strengthen connections. Make sure you offer several ways to talk with them and get to know them. Algorithms can only tell you so much about a customer, transactions are driven by relationships. Use automation where you can but do not ignore the power of the personal touch.

Tell us about your biggest success story
We have been fortunate to have a lot of success over the past 18 years but one of the first big breakouts in the first few years of my business I had pitched a CEO about a month before I ran into her at a networking event where she was the keynote speaker and her topic was about being a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated business. I had followed up after sending my proposal several times via e-mail and voice mail but the CEO never returned any of my messages or even acknowledged receipt of the proposal requested. You can imagine my shock when she announced at this event as part of her speech that she believes it is important to put your money where your mouth is and for women CEOs to support other respected & well-run women’s businesses and that is why she has hired my firm to handle all her company’s marketing & PR! Everyone congratulated me after, it was a better endorsement than the New York Times because she was very well known and had the reputation of being very tough with high standards so I got a LOT of business from people in the room that night because they thought if I was able to impress her I must be very good!

Looking back over your time since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I am not sure I would do anything differently though because everything has lead me to this point now. I made plenty of mistakes along the way but that is how you learn and grow. I learned something new with each situation but I probably learned the most during the toughest times when the economy was volatile or I had a client who was difficult. Those are the lessons you never forget. My biggest mistake was not realizing sooner that the people you start with are not always the ones who grow with you. The hardest lesson I learned when I started my company is not getting rid of weak people earlier than I did in the first few years of my business. I spent more time managing them than finding new customers. I knew in my gut they were not up to snuff but out of loyalty to them I let them hang around much longer than they should have. It would have been better for everyone to let them go as soon as the signs were there. They became more insecure and threatened as we grew which was not productive for the team. As soon as I let them go the culture got stronger and the bar higher. “A” team people like to be surrounded by other stars. It is true that you should hire slowly and fire quickly. I did not make that mistake again later on so learned it well the first time. I wish I had known it even earlier though but lesson learned for sure!

Our readers love to travel, where is home to you?
I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana but have lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 1999.

Imagine you’re stranded on a desert island for 6 weeks, what 3 items would you take?
I’m assuming the phone and internet would not work so maybe a short wave radio with lots of batteries, water & sunscreen

What does 2020 look like for you…
Exciting both personally and professionally but the jury is out on how it will be politically and what that means for the world. I have a great husband and close group of friends I love spending time with and I think every project on the radar is really interesting! That is the beauty of running your own business, if you are not genuinely excited by the work then you can pass on it. I only take on work that I find interesting and worthwhile.

Farrah Miller is an integrated nutrition health expert, founder of FM Wellness, author, and a Female Empowerment Coach. An activist in the making, she wants to be the wave that can make a difference in the gender equality. To support that ambition she provides free mentoring to divorce and traumatised women who are going through an emotionally challenging time.

Farrah works with women in their 20’s-40’s who want to improve their lives and appearance naturally, providing 1:1 coaching coaching, and 30-day courses which can be taken from your sofa, in your PJs!

Want to check her out? For a limited time, Farrah is offering a free eCoaching series “30 day to a New You” . Did you know that most habits can be broken if you can go 30 days without them…

Let’s get into it with Farrah.

HOC: Great to meet you, Farrah! Can you tell us about your journey to running your business?

Farrah: My journey from corporate management into entrepreneurship has been a rewarding and empowering experience, one I feel deep gratitude for. I had to recognise my desires and go through a few painful experiences while allowing my intuition to guide me along my path.

Health Coaching and Female Empowerment is a part of my path. I feel so connected to this message and I find myself more and more aligned with this purpose. I naturally feel energised and impassioned when I am helping someone make life changing habits.

I remember when I was at a point in my life where I didn’t ask for help when I really needed it. It was not easy because I had to do it all alone. And I realised that we can heal our lives, but sometimes we just need a helping hand and a little nudge in the right direction.

I look around and see so many women suffering emotional pain caused by trauma from childhood. We stay stuck in the same place if we do not release these traumas and make changes in our daily habits. Helping my clients make small changes which last a lifetime is rewarding and makes me feel good about my role in the world.

I have always wanted to spread positivity and love throughout the world, and I am so happy and proud that I am doing that every day.

HOC: Wow, such passion for your business! This drive must come from lived experience. Can you tell us about your personal story and how your experiences have shaped your outlook today?

Farrah:I was seven years old when my family and I moved to Queens, NY from Pakistan. I was so happy to have landed in New York and start my life in this great country. I had some challenging experiences growing up in Pakistan and so moving to New York was great news for me. I wanted to start fresh.

When I was 19, I entered an arranged marriage which was not something that I wanted. I was pressured into it to show my respect for my elders and cultural traditions.

We divorced within a year, which led me to returning to University to complete my education. I was trying really hard to pick up the pieces that had shattered everywhere around me. I was swallowing the shame of my failed marriage, and I worried about my future. I was in emotional pain and was feeling lost. I did not know how to manage or release these feelings. I had no-one to talk to who could help. At that point of my life I knew I had to change something to change my current circumstances.

One day I decided to go for a jog, and soon after that day I began to run daily.I started to notice that I was feeling good and that my nerves were calmer. Flushing out my anxiety hormones was helping me feel good emotionally and physically.

After that I became extremely aware of my thoughts, choices, and thinking patterns. I transformed my relationship with myself and transformed into conscious living. I am enjoying every bit of it. Now I love sharing my best tips and knowledge with the world on nutrition, health, and mindfulness, and I will continue to seek wisdom about the human brain and the treasures of life.

HOC: How did you decide to wanted your career to be about supporting others?

Farrah: I felt the push towards helping others who are suffering with emotional trauma and blockages around money, relationships, and health. I have been there and I know how one can feel so stuck. I am passionate about changing the way Americans eat and live today. Our food and lifestyle both need an upgrade and new vision at the government level for a true reform. Better health is a human right and we must provide healthy options for our people.

I want to help women feel good, inside and out, by helping them eat for healthy skin and a healthy body. My mission is to impact our lifestyle standards, improve our overall quality of life, and spread the teachings of a mindful approach to day-to-day life. The more calm, conscious, and collected one can be, the more we can contribute towards others’s needs. We can become the best versions of ourselves, someone who is both a positive influence in the community and lives a mindful life with regular self-check-ins.

HOC: If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other paths could you have taken?

Farrah: I would have pursued a career as a painter or art gallery director.

HOC: Where does your drive come from? What tips do you have for keeping focus?

Farrah: I have always had a curious mind and my drive comes from my intense focus on observing human nature as it learns and finds solutions to the problems we suffer in today’s challenging yet epic times.

I can become obsessive trying to find the deep solutions to what I am aiming at. It’s in my DNA. My beloved father (may peace be with him) was a visionary and thought leader, and I know I have a lot of him in me. It makes me feel good to know that my father is always with me.

Focus is all about channeling your energy into your authentic self and then focusing on a specific goal…

Write down your goals and break them into realistic timelines. Then approach them with calmness and an expectation of achieving them. Hold yourself accountable, and celebrate the little successes along the way, because it is through the journey that we learn and get to experience the joy of fulfilment.

HOC: For our entrepreneurial readers, what advice do you have for them to start their own thing?

Farrah: Follow your passion and listen closely to your intuition. Make a list of what makes you light up on the inside. Ask for help. Constantly research what’s out there. Get involved in your new community. Share your message with the world. Spread positivity and be a part of the ripple effect.

HOC: What personal achievement of yours means the most to you and why?

Farrah: My most important achievement is that I am an independent woman who does not rely on others’ approval to keep progressing. An independent woman makes her own rules and lives her life authentically without the fear of judgement.

HOC: Entrepreneurial souls are often burning the candles at both ends, as a mental health professional what tips do you have for our readers when they are feeling emotionally exhausted?

Farrah:Yes, this is very common for driven people. I know I have been there many times myself, but as a health coach I know how to recognise the imbalances and take the necessary steps to bring myself back into alignment.

Here are 3 things you can do if you’re experiencing emotional exhaustion:

1) Sweat: When working out, your brain releases endorphins, which help reduce our perception of pain and decrease mental stress. All health professionals agree that aerobic exercise is a key for your head, just as it is for the heart.

2) Muscular Relaxation: When you are stressed, your muscles tend to tighten up. By learning to relax your muscles, you will be able to use your body to get rid of mental stress. It’s best to be in a quiet place where you can sit up straight or comfortably lay out on a firm mattress.

3) Breathing exercises:Simple breathing exercises can also help to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Rapid, shallow, and erratic breathing is a common result of stress. Slow, deep, regular breathing is a sign of relaxation. Take time to breathe slowly in and out, while focusing on your abdomen expanding and contracting. As you inhale it expands, and as you exhale it contracts.

HOC: Fantastic tips, thank you. Finally, if you ever have a creative block / funk; how do you get yourself out ofit?

Farrah: I have learned to let go when I feel the need to rest my mind. I take that as a sign that I need to make time to relax and that maybe I am not fully ready to start a new project right at this time.

I normally just spend time with my hobbies, like dancing to my favourite music or hiking outdoors with my partner. Meaning, I just don’t think about the project for a while, until I receive inspiration naturally to start to write my ideas.

Farrah Miller is an integrated nutrition health expert, founder of FM Wellness, author, and a Female Empowerment activist, you can find out more about her work here: https://www.farrahmiller.org/

Farrah’s clients want to lose weight and improve their skin health, and FM Wellness teaches them how to make better decisions that fit within their busy lifestyle. Farrah’s clients love that they can make simple changes that create BIG results.

Follow Farrah on instagram: @farrahmiller_

Trisha Watson grew up on a small farm and it was here that she can recall her earliest memories of skincare. Being a child and having an interest in skincare was a clear indication that one day she would have her own company in this industry.

Her story is one of inspiration and here she chats to us about her journey so far, plans for the future and more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to where you are today
It began on a small farm in Black Diamond, Washington. As a child, my three sisters and I, alongside our parents, worked to farm our land, harvest the crops and keep the soil of the earth in impeccable condition. In need of more soil to till, we moved to a larger farm in Eastern Washington, where the sun was on our side, the crops were more fruitful and land more plentiful.

My earliest memory of skincare, was sitting under our kitchen table where women were gathering for an at home skincare party. I remember my grandmother graciously handing me sample packets of skincare as I sat at her feet. I was about 4. I can still recall the texture and feel of the product and becoming instantly mesmerized by it. Looking back, I realize that my grandmothers gesture was to keep my little hands busy so the adults could have their time, yet, unbeknownst to her, she was creating the founder of an organic skincare brand.

In my younger years, I had less than perfect skin. I speak for myself and all sufferers of troubled skin when I say, if the battle of a less than perfect complexion shows on the outside, one will never be able to put into words the severity of the battle on the inside. It was this alone that made me decide, no matter the issue, I wanted to create positive change in the lives of others through the healing of their skin.

With a yearning desire to follow my dream as a Skincare Therapist, I attended business school, became a licensed esthetician and grew a skincare business in the heart of downtown Spokane. During that time, I began blending skincare mixtures with various organic herbs to be used in treatment for targeted issues. Eventually, I created a small capsule line for retail at the indoor Farmers Market which neighbored my treatment business. This is where the retail side if things began taking sprout.

After years of exploring the city life, I couldn’t help but long for open air, the texture of soil and the warm, loving freedom that cultivates when surrounded by the pale green hills of farmland. With my passion for skin care and the new formulations combined with a strong calling back to farm life, my husband Rob and I bought a small farm and moved the business and family from the city. This is where I found space to let my creativity run wild in becoming a return-to-earth beauty entrepreneur, establishing an authentic, conscience skincare line crafted using quality ingredients, responsibly sourced from organic farms.

In creation of a ‘seed to bottle’ approach to my skincare haven, we now nurture two full gardens of organic herbs to be incorporated into various products throughout the line along with outsourcing many ingredients to farmers right here in our own farming community who are dedicated, hardworking, inspirational and passionate about the organic plants they provide.

This skincare contains high content organic makings that are superior in performance, effective, good for the customer and good for our Earth. Trisha Watson Organics is paraben free, phthalate free, gluten free and of course cruelty free.

We fell in love with your brand because you champion beauty from the inside out, promoting that beauty is more than our physical attributes. What does true beauty meant to you?

True beauty becomes more evident through death of the ego. Throughout life, we are all offered experiences in which we can choose to be humbled. As one excepts the humbling, the ego slips further away, naturally inviting in a true and sincere spirit of humility, nobility and a higher intelligence. To me, this is where beauty begins to flow from facet of being.

Tell us about a recent BossBabe moment…

My most recent boss babe moment, would be taking this interview. Putting oneself out there can be hard, nonetheless, I do understand that the soul purpose of fear is to decrease our hope and limits our victories, so I cultivated courage and pushed through. I am so very thankful to House of Cocoa for urging me to crack open and finally construct the courage to talk my dream.

What does 2020 look like for you?

For 2020, I hope for the opportunity to continue sharing my soul with the world through my creative abilities and strive to deepen my contentment in all things.

Looking back over your time in the business, is there anything you’d do differently?

I am a true believer in fate and that every piece of the puzzle was set perfectly into place by the most masterful artist. I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe every step, helpful or inhibiting, is a valuable building block to a much bigger picture.

Who is involved in the business?

First beside me, is my husband, Rob, he ALWAYS has my back. Last year, he began working with me aside from running a business of his own. He brings a much needed masculine energy to the brand, balancing things wholly so I can nurture my feminine nature which is so important to me, in my job as a Mom and also as a creative artist and beauty entrepreneur. I create a vision and he brings that vision to life. We make a great team along with our production manger and the rest of our beloved help.

Outside of work, what do you do to switch off?

I snuggle my kids, burying my face in their soft, little, precious, necks. The sweet smell and the joy in their faces, creates an instant sunshine that carries me a million miles away. Reality through the eyes of a child is an excellent way to disconnect.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I am most inspired to create in times of stillness. In these random moments, a rush of information flows over me. This is how ingredients are solidified and my formulations are created. It is a spiritual thing I guess. I am devout catholic and avid yogi, I let God be the CEO and make the decisions for me. My responsibility is to pray hard and listen as deeply as possible then eventually, the information comes through my hands.

How often do you release new products and what, to date, has been the best seller?

At this point, there is no set schedule when new products are released. I create what comes to me, when it comes. In the beginning, my creativity ran wild as I developed new products rapidly. Now that the line has a good size foot print, I’ve been able to produce at a more comfortable pace and enjoy the process. Best sellers are tied between Flower Girl facial mist and Ultimate Bliss, two very illustrious products.

Our readers love to travel, where’s your happy place?

For me personally, it is my Mama’s back porch overlooking the farm I grew up on. She makes her own homemade wine and, I’m telling you, she is good at it! Otherwise, the banks of a river in Montana or the tip top of a north east Washington mountain somewhere is great way to find a real happy place.

Follow Trisha on her rise to the top trishawatson.com.

Writing this series, #TeamCoco get a lot of enquiries from readers looking to make the leap from working in-house, as an employee with less of the freedom but all of the paid holiday and perks – to the wide open road of running your own thing.

Today, we chat with Abigail, founder of creative business You&Me Collective.

HOC: Hey, Abigail! Let’s start with the tricky stuff… What’s your elevator pitch for You&Me Collective?

Abigail: We are a London based luxury boutique digital marketing team. I head-up and manage an incredibly creative dream-team of marketing experts; from social media management, PR and communications to website design and photography. You & Me was created to inspire businesses, help them grow and create their digital dream.

HOC: Sounds awesome. Where did it all start, what was your first job?

Abigail: I have always worked in hospitality. Starting as a waitress when I was 18, I worked hard and in stressful environments which prepared me for my first leap to the City with a bespoke Events Management Agency. From there I grew a passion for design, creativity and that end goal – my job was to design fabulous parties and immersive themes for Christmas, corporates and milestone birthdays!

HOC: From there, how did you come to starting your own communications company?

Abigail: I was asked by one of my friends if I could manage their social media, I loved it. My job at the time was managing content for a fast paced platform similar to a magazine format, which allowed me to grow my skills for content creation, growth hacking and being on top of the news constantly.

I knew I always wanted to have my own business, with the plan to move away from the City and create a flexible life for my partner and I, so this passion just exploded a need for You & Me. I decided to leave my job (which was very tough!) and take the risk to go it alone – the best risk I have ever taken.

HOC: What is about your industry / job that you love?

Abigail: Everyone and every digital concept is so unique. One moment the team are working with a luxury beauty company on the communications, pulling strings to launch a new app or with a bespoke catering company that sends private chefs to client’s homes. From PR to photography, every day is different and creative – my brain is thanking me for choosing a career that makes it be creative every single day. Plus, I get to work with the most amazing people.

HOC: Who would be your dream client?

Abigail: Without sounding too cliche, I love all of my clients and thank the stars for sending them my way – every single direction is different and we don’t work with competitors of our clients so its a wide variety of industries. We have just signed with one of London’s biggest hotel groups which was a huge win for us. But, a dream client, I would say is Mulberry, I would LOVE to delve behind their marketing, find out what makes such an iconic brand tick as well as getting to see and photograph the latest lines.

HOC: It you weren’t doing this, what could have career plan B looked like?

Abigail: I would still be in a full-time job, counting my 21 days holiday! I loved events and it was a huge decision to leave, but I think if I wasn’t doing this I’d have had to travel and find some new inspiration.

HOC: You offer a whole range of services, how do you manage it all?

Abigail: That’s all down to my amazing team! Without Charlotte and Louise I would struggle to manage everything for sure; Charlotte is our Social and Content Director who oversees all social media services and Louise and I tackle large PR and communications briefs and Campaign Management together; they both continue to keep me calm, we have regular future planning meetings (with a lot of gin) and work together to smash those goals. I strongly believe in the power of your team, people work for people, we celebrate every win and help each other with every speed bump.

When you own your own business, its a 24 hour love, I work hard and long hours but it’s never ‘work’, its my passion and we just can’t wait to see what the future brings for You & Me.

HOC: What are your favourite productivity hacks?

Abigail: Loud music, a well-organised todo list and some great coffee! I love to use Toggl to keep track of my productive hours and take a break (whether its a gym class, team lunch or online shopping) in the middle of the day to let my brain rest, ready for the evening.

HOC: What’s your work set up like, do you have an office you go to everyday or are you out on the road? If on the road, tell us a secret about an amazing place to work from that you might not have thought about?

Abigail: I have an office, I work there mostly everyday – although some weeks I’m out on the road Monday to Friday. Louise and I found a spot yesterday at Montcalm London Royal House in their Burdock restaurant; it had such a buzz whilst being a great place to chat, take a phone call and eat great food – as well as endless plugs and phone chargers in the table – an essential for out of the office working. But that’s a secret just for you, we don’t want it to get too busy now!

HOC: The ’10 years ago’ challenge is all the rage on insta at the moment, what advice do you have for the 2009 you?

Abigail: Studying isn’t everything, have fun, don’t worry, it’ll all work out in the end. I know that’s such bad advice for a young adult but I was obsessed with good grades and I wasn’t as creative as I am now. My childhood friend Jess would be jumping up and down that I have finally admitted that. I’d tell young-me to pick up a pencil and draw, dust your camera off and also, you will turn out like your parents!

Check out more about Abigail’s business at YouAndMeCollective.co.uk and follow the team on Instagram @youandmecollective

In this life, it’s very rare to find your calling, and for that calling to also have a positive impact on the world we live in; but this was exactly the case with Jillian Haddad and Butter Me Up Organics. After having a fateful ‘body butter moment’ from which her business coins its name, Jillian set off to create a completely organic and sustainable beauty brand, and the rest was history.

Jillian’s genuine commitment to sustainability is the life and soul of her business. From the organic cruelty free ingredients she uses, to the glass and recycled packaging she creates — every product in Butter Me Up Organics has no negative impact on the environment. After all, why should the environment suffer for good skincare?

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Butter Me Up Organics?

I grew up in a very natural minded household where we were bringing our own takeout containers, water bottles,and recycling long before it was cool. It was quite the opposite then. As an adult, I grew into my own conservation mindset and knew that if I started a business, it would need to include those elements.

I startedButter Me Up Organics in response to the lack of natural products on the market. I would shop at natural grocery stores as they were the only places that had items without all of the toxic ingredients.Even then I would leave with items I didn’t really want, as they were the only ones that didn’t have the ingredients I avoided. When I spent way too much money on a body butter that I didn’t want just because it fit my criterium, I decided then and there, I can do this and Butter Me Up Organics was born. The name pays homage to that body butter moment; and that that was the first item I made.

I vowed to create a brand that was organic, zero waste and contained no synthetic anything. I use only organic oils, butters, herbs, essential oils and botanicals to craft each item. All items are handmade, small batch and well researched. I stand behind all of them!

Butter Me Up Organics is all about all natural and organic products. Could you run us through how your products are made?

Absolutely! First, when I’m creating a new product, I spend a great deal of time researching and formulating. Every product I’ve ever made is my own unique recipe; and each item is designed for a therapeutic purpose. I use a combination of herbs, oils, butters, and essential oils for maximum effectiveness. When its time to actually make the items, I personally hand make each one. Some items take months to make as I infuse my own oils and time creates the potency. Each item is made in a small batch in my studio, which has its own commercial kitchen. All items are hand mixed, poured, and manufactured by me so that I can guarantee the quality and effectiveness of each item that gets into your hands.

How important is sustainability to your brand? Could you tell us a little bit about your sustainable practices?

This is one of the core pillars of my brand and has been since its inception. I was organic before people really knew what that was and have been zero waste since the beginning. Almost all of my containers are glass and are made of at least 30% post recycled material. All items are recyclable, labels are printed with soy inks on recycled papers, ALL of my packing materials are either up-cycled or recycled materials. I utilise paperboard tubes instead of plastic for lip balms and eyeshadows and will always choose the most Eco-friendly packaging, materials, and options for the least amount of negative earth impact.

In terms of ingredients, (which is my passion), all are organic, cruelty free, and sustainable as a whole. I am super picky about my ingredients and how/where they were sourced from. I ensure that all of my suppliers maintain the same practices I demand from mine. I was asked so many times in the beginning if I would make things non-organic and in plastic, because people didn’t really understand it. I held true to my core values and luckily we’ve moved into a time where people are waking up to the importance of sustainability and conscious brands.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Learning all of the things I’m not good at. Owning your own business comes with so many different elements; some which play to your strengths and some that don’t. I love the creative side where I get to make and create; and I love interacting with my customers at shows and online. However, all of the technical things that come with my business are such a challenge for me, my brain just doesn’t work like that! Luckily, there are experts who are good at those things and I defer that to them.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

Find what makes your heart sing. It’s easy to be inspired by people and think that you should do what they do. Be inspired by them, but figure out what truly makes YOUR heart happy and don’t emulate someone else. Find YOUR calling. It’s such a gift to your soul to be doing exactly whatyou should be doing and that passion will always inspire others. It’s really true what they say, find what you love and you won’t work a day in your life. It’s so true, but be prepared to work some crazy hours!

WWW.BUTTERMEUPORGANICS.COM

Women are leading the charge in the real estate world. At least, that’s what the current data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals. Particularly, there is a surge in female professionals in high-end property markets such as Dubai.

But every industry has its challenges. Sure, both men and women face hurdles in real estate. Though, it’s important to point out that ladies sometimes tackle unique issues. This may be especially true for the Middle Eastern market. But they aren’t letting these obstacles hold them back. Instead, women have demonstrated remarkable success, for instance in Dubai premium real estate.

One more thing women excel in is property presentation. Their attention to detail and innate sense of aesthetics come in handy to show real estate in the best possible light. They can expertly stage homes and highlight their best features to make them more appealing to potential buyers. These efforts positively impact the property’s marketability and, ultimately, its selling price. This is why many are also becoming attorneys for will and succession in Dubai, another real estate sector.

The Role of Women in Real Estate Throughout History

Throughout history, women have played a vital role in the real estate industry. Although, their contributions sometimes went unrecognized. That was especially true in the early 20th century. Back then, women primarily worked as administrative assistants or property managers. They stayed in the background while men took center stage as brokers and agents.

Later, women began to break through the glass ceiling. They took on more prominent positions within the real estate sector. By the mid-20th century, ladies emerged as successful brokers and agents. These pioneers challenged the status quo and demonstrated that women could excel in this male-dominated field.

In recent decades, women have continued to make strides in the industry. Ladies took on leadership roles and diversified the sector. Today, women in real estate are not just agents or brokers — they are CEOs, investors, developers, and architects.

While women have undoubtedly made their mark in the industry, the journey toward equality still has a long way to go. According to the CREW 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark Survey, certain areas require significant improvement. For example, the proportion of female commercial real estate professionals remains at 36%, unchanged for the past 15 years. In terms of income, women face a 10% salary gap and a staggering 56% gap in commissions and bonuses compared to men.

How Women Are Impacting the Real Estate Market

Indeed, the real estate market has seen a remarkable shift as women take center stage. Their distinct values offer a myriad of advantages: improving work environments, enriching customer experiences, and motivating the upcoming generation of real estate professionals. Now, let’s explore how their contributions are molding the industry.

  • Women bring diverse perspectives that spark creativity and collaboration. This breath of fresh air helps drive the market forward.
  • With excellent interpersonal skills, women build strong connections with clients. Their empathetic approach ensures personalized service, winning trust and loyalty.
  • As more females join the real estate ranks, they create a more diverse and welcoming environment where teamwork is cherished. That’s because ladies tend to be more inclined to collaborate than men. And they are also better at comprehending the requirements of their teams.
  • Women champion sustainability in the industry, advocating for energy-efficient buildings and green materials. Their efforts pave the way for a greener future.

Real Estate Is a Perfect Fit for Ladies

The real estate market is a great place for women to leverage their unique traits. Thanks to them, they become effective professionals in this domain. These qualities undoubtedly benefit them in their day-to-day work and help them tackle work-related tasks easier and better. Not to be unfounded, let us give a few examples.

Women possess exceptional communication and listening skills. As you know, real estate experts need them for effective negotiations. Females’ ability to empathize and understand others’ perspectives allows them to find common ground and secure favorable terms for their clients. This skill not only helps build their reputation but also increases client satisfaction.

One more thing women excel in is property presentation. Their attention to detail and innate sense of aesthetics come in handy to show real estate in the best possible light. They can expertly stage homes and highlight their best features to make them more appealing to potential buyers. These efforts positively impact the property’s marketability and ultimately its selling price.

And let’s not forget that women are known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. From dealing with difficult clients to navigating complex transactions, their ability to think on their feet and find creative solutions ensures smooth and successful outcomes both for the real estate company and the client.

The Qualities the Best Female Realtors Demonstrate

While the real estate sector is dominated by women, only 3% of property brokerage firms have females in senior-level positions. So, it takes a lot of effort to be taken seriously in an industry led by men. Nevertheless, many women prove that they’re worth it. Though, it required them to foster some of the particular traits.

Resilience

One of the qualities top female realtors should demonstrate is resilience in the face of adversity. Barbara Corcoran, one of the brightest women in the industry, admits that resilience helped her build her business and made her rich.

Networking

Building a strong network is another skill that females should embrace on their way to leading positions. It means engaging with industry peers, clients, and other professionals. In the long run, this helps stay informed and generate new leads.

Expertise

Real estate is one of the industries that constantly evolves. This suggests that you should stay updated on market trends, regulations, and new technologies. Successful female leaders continuously educate themselves to provide valuable insights to their clients. As they grow their expertise, many female senior experts admit that dedicate time every morning or night to study what is happening on the market.

Ethics

It’s not about getting checks. It’s about what values you have and whether you stick to them. Top female real estate agents say that having high ethical standards and prioritizing their clients’ best interests are always in focus for them. They are transparent, honest, and trustworthy in their dealings, which helps build a strong reputation.

Fast Actions

The real estate industry is not for the timid ones. So, successful agents and top executives suggest that ladies should act fast and be fearless. Vickey Li once said that agents should not be afraid of rejection. Once they identify their desired property or understand market needs, they should seize the opportunity.

The Property Buyer Landscape Is Also Changing

As the real estate market inevitably changes, it not only impacts agents. The property buyer landscape also sees modifications. To be more specific, since 2016, single older women have increasingly invested in real estate compared to single men. More than half of households are now run by females. These are the findings of the Urban Institute.

This shift in buyer demographics creates a growing demand for women professionals in the industry. Their unique perspectives and understanding of the market cater to the changing needs of female buyers. Because who can understand a woman better than another woman? This one-gender approach fosters stronger connections and enables a more effective representation of female buyer interests.

Final Thoughts

The competitive real estate market has seen a surge in the number of women professionals. Their emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and intuition have enhanced the industry’s progress. As multitaskers, women have emerged as the latest powerhouse in real estate, boosting efficiency, coordination, and confidence among clients and buyers.

In the future, women’s roles in the real estate industry are likely to expand and become even more prominent. As the market continues to diversify, women will play a crucial part in shaping its trajectory.

Located on the ground floor of the Hilton, Lake Como is Taffeta, an elegant lounge and bar. The back wall is dominated by a selection of spirits and a long bar. Behind it you’ll find Ludmilla Samohin, Head Mixologist who is taking the Italian drinks world by storm, rustling up some of the most innovating drinks menus.

The mixology scene in Italy is still dominated by men but Ludmilla, previously a graphic designer and painter is shaking up the bar and cocktail menu at the Hilton with her creative spin on traditional cocktails. To celebrate International Women’s Day I caught up with Ludmilla over a Negroni to find out the trends and influences shaping her drinks menu.

Ludmilla refreshes the bar menu annually and says she gets her inspiration from the everyday things. Previously she’s used textures and music to create her cocktail list but this year, it’s perfume and scents. Her new menu will use fragrance as an infusion, and she promises me it’s going to include some show stopping cocktails.

Creativity and having that wow factor is what makes her menu standout. She is constantly looking at ways to improve it and always striving to try something new, listening to guest feedback and being brave when it comes to designing a drink. Currently she is working on a Tequila and celery combo which she assures me will be mind blowing and delicious. Ludmilla tells me, “Tequila Mescal is the spirit of the moment” and she is serving it straight as well as mixing it in cocktails like Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary.

Her signature cocktail changes every six months and she takes inspiration from different mixing scenes. According to Ludmilla, “London bars are always setting the bar high” but it’s Shanghai and Singapore that are on her radar at the moment, she says the bars here are full of excellent bar tenders and mixers.

The drinks trends for 2023 are minimal and simple, Ludmilla explains, “people want less fussy drinks, so elaborate garnishing is out of the window”. Her menu will be focussed on using less ingredients but sourcing the best quality, local produce she can get. Another trend she sees emerging is prebatch mixing the ingredients and leaving them for two or three days to alter the taste. At the Hilton, gifting will be a big addition to the menu too. This year she has partnered with breast cancer charity, Imperfect, to create an alcohol free cocktail that combines ginger, green apple, hibiscus and green tea. It’s served in a unique glass that uses Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing glass and ceramics with gold. She mixes one up while we chat, it tastes delicious and the pretty gold marbled glass is a nice reminder that imperfections can still be fabulous.

As you might expect the most popular drinks at Taffeta are the Italian classics, Aperol Spritz and Negroni. The Smoked Negroni using gin infused with rosemary is a firm favourite with guests. Ludmilla explains, “Customers love a bit of theatre and I always want to make it an experience for them. It’s more than just mixing a drink”. Watching her is an experience, you can see the passion she has for her job and she’s not wrong, the Negroni delivers on the wow factor.

Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €180 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

Today, Intimissimi formally announces that international icon (and force of nature) Jennifer Lopez will be their new global brand ambassador. The Italian lingerie and intimate apparel brand confirmed the news to coincide with the release of their Spring/Summer 2023 campaign. Not to mention, this is just ahead of International Women’s Day too.

The campaign, featuring Lopez, celebrates women and empowers them to feel confident and valued in all the roles that they play. “We want women to live the most fulfilling life and feel empowered every day,” said Matteo Veronesi, Chief Executive Officer of Intimissimi.

In Jennifer’s own words, “I’m proud to be an Intimissimi woman and honored that they view me as someone who emulates their own qualities of confident, lively and strong.”

The new Spring/Summer 2023 campaign is set in dreamy Postiano, Italy. Creative Director, Riccardo Ruini, Director Gia Coppola and photographer, Chris Colls work their cinematic magic to capture the brilliant hues of the lingerie collection against the gorgeous Mediterranean backdrop.

Check out these articles by the House of Coco Team with a celebrity connection: Rachel McAlley and Laura Bartlett.

Here at House of Coco we are big fans of businesses that support and celebrate women which is why we are quickly falling for new kid on the beauty block, Counter Culture.

Co-founded by Wendy Martin, who previously held senior roles at Visa, she turned her back on the corporate world to create a sustainable, ethical online beauty retail destination that champions female-led brands. To celebrate International Women’s Day House of Coco caught up Wendy to find out more about this exciting new brand.

Wendy’s passion lies in championing sustainable, ethical businesses and driving consumer change. The beauty industry came into sharp focus when her research highlighted the average consumer uses 12-16 products a day and the industry, as a whole, produces some 120 billion units of packaging every year, much of which is not recyclable. Along with her co-founder, Mark Wisniewski they wanted to make it easier for people to discover, shop and switch to more sustainable alternatives and to empower them to shop in-line with their values, whether that be vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-free, refillable, multi-purpose or upcycled.

Counter Culture is focused on building a community of like-minded people. Their aim is to help connect conscious consumers and businesses with their brands and products and this is highlighted in the discounts and rewards they give to customers for sustainable living activities, such as recycling pre-loved clothes in return for a Counter Culture voucher or by offering discounts via partners for food waste or recycling activities.

Here at House of Coco we love the brand for its discoverability. While they stock some of the best known beauty and wellbeing brands like Olaplex, Medik8 and Trilogy, they also stock smaller, indie ranges making it easier for people to discover and switch to new, upcoming brands. Wendy recommends putting Centred, Fighter shots and Dehlicious on your beauty radar. These hot new brands are stocked on the site and set to blow up in 2023. She’s also got her eye on new collaborations and says, “we’d love to bring Byoma, Cultured Biomecare, Wild Science Lab to our platform soon.”

Supporting female founders is important to Wendy. Research shows all female-founded businesses secured less than 2p in every £1 of venture capital investment, despite the fact that female-founded companies continue to outperform in the broader market. She says, “within our broader vision we aspire to help support emerging, female-founded businesses get investment and retail ready. But right now, recognising we are still very early in our own journey, we’re focused on championing as many female founders as we can. Over 85% of the brands on our site are female-founded.”

The beauty market is crowded so being innovative and fresh is key to getting standout. Wendy says, “There are so many brands killing it right now. I’m a fan of those that are focused on “anti-stress” beauty. Great examples include Faace, with their period and menopause masks and Centred and Abyssian with their focus on scalp as well as hair health. I love multi-use products, like Seeds of Colour with their make-up balm that’s perfect for lips, cheeks and eyes and Dr Lipp with their stripped-back, multi-use products. Some products that are personal favourites, include Medik8’s Press and Glow and Crystal Retinal and Juice Beauty’s Prebiotix Freshly Squeezed Glow.”

It’s an exciting time for Wendy and her Counter Culture team, watch this space as she’s only just getting started.

Fashion is a fickle thing, but once in a while you come across a truly creative point of view that it simply takes your breath away. Enter REINEREN, the new kid on the block of China’s booming fashion scene – and certainly a designer to watch.

Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies caught up with REINEREN to chat inspiration, daily designer life and being true to yourself in this latest Women Worldwide interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What made you fall in love with fashion?

I was influenced by my family since I was a child. I naturally fell in love with drawing and have always been interested in handicrafts and creating artistic things. I also used to love making clothes to my Barbie dolls.

Gradually, I started reading all kinds of fashion magazines and dreamt of becoming a fashion designer — and one day have my own brand.

Where did the name REINEREN come from? How would you describe your brand’s aesthetic for our readers who may just be discovering you?

‘Reine’ means ‘queen’ in French which is the same pronunciation with my name, I also found this word perfectly conveyed the brand’s core message, that all women should be their own queens.

Who is the REINEREN woman? Can you describe her in three words?

Independent and confident, unrestrained & carefree, and finally, fierce & gentle

Tell us more about your latest collection. Do you have a favourite piece?

One of my favourite pieces is a grey-green, leather cropped blazer with woven twine below. The collision of two completely different materials is a combination of rigidity and softness. The eco-friendly leather is also one of my favorite materials, as it is tough and stylish. With the braided hemp rope, the elements of the theme of this series are well integrated with the style of the brand.

Walk us through an average day in the REINEREN?

On top of the daily drawing and producing of garments samples and fitting, as a designer, I also need to communicate with fabric suppliers and factories for product development. I’m also very involved in managing the admin perspective such as meetings with various departments like human resources, public relations, and sales.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer so far?

Merchandise. When creative sparks come through or an idea wants to be implemented, it needs the support of the supply chain. However, this is also the hardest part of the process. There is a cost to try before it can be produced in real life such as what it will cost you in terms of time and capital. Will your supply chain partner be willing to share the costs or risks with you? In many cases, it is easy to imagine but difficult to implement. As the designer, I have to face with various challenges.

What’s next for you and REINEREN? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline?

We hope we could step to the international market be recgnised by more global audience and to understand and align with our value and mission.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own fashion businesses too?

Be true to yourself.

www.reineren.com

IG: @reineren_official