Last month I traveled to Los Angles to attend the Create & Cultivate 2018 LA Conference. Create & Cultivate is a collective of women who gather to share ideas and tips about being a modern women in the workplace.
“We gather the next generation of curious creatives, entrepreneurs and bosses to spark conversation around the topics they are passionate about from influencer marketing and brand building to raising money.” – Create & Cultivate.
I wanted to hear from the best bloggers out there how they got started, and learn about how I can make my blog better for my followers. Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen were keynote speakers this year, which I especially loved because each has battled infertility and face the challenge of being a working mom (admittedly have a little more help at home than I do, lol!).
Even with those headliners, I learned the most from the candid panel discussions, particularly the ones with a focus on blogging and social media, like Jacey Duprie creator of Damsel in Dior, and Julia Engel with her gorgeous blog Gal Meets Glam. (Check those out of you haven’t already!) I’m not usually the best at networking, but connecting with other women was probably the best aspect of the conference. There was such a supportive and positive energy among the women. I’d definitely recommend going to next year’s conference for anyone who is an aspiring creative or entrepreneur.
I flew to California to go to the conference solo, but was lucky enough to convince my oldest childhood friend, Jen, to come hang out with me in LA the day before the conference and go on a photo safari.
Jen is an architect in San Diego, momma to twin boys and her daughter, and one badass lady who will always advocate for what she believes in. We’ve have been friends since we were babies, and even though we hadn’t seen each other in person in four years it was like we just saw each other yesterday. We can talk about politics, art, shoes, travel, religion, kids and social issues and back again in like 20 minutes. I love my girlfriends that I can dig in deep with, discussing things beyond ourselves in this world.
Our agenda was simple – eat some good food and wander around the city, catching up for the day.
On a recommendation from my friend Moni, we stayed at The Jeremy Hotel in West Hollywood. The large open lobby has an updated mid century modern vibe, and the common spaces are fresh and fun. The hotel was super clean, the staff was lovely, and it was a good price for the location. The view from the pool deck can’t be beat (I did yoga out there one early morning).
8490 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Neither of us had a particular agenda, but we both love art, architecture and photography. After some quick recon on our phones, we grabbed brunch at The Butcher, the Baker, the Cappuccino Maker (the lattees and avocado toast at there were absolutely amazing!)
I went comfy casual for the day in my white graphic tee from Anthropologie, favorite Quay sunnies , and comfy sneakers.
You can shop the entire look and a few other similar styles HERE.
After brunch we spent the a few hours wandering around West Hollywood on a photo safari, looking for a few mural walls and picking out our favorite houses along our walk. I’ve included a few of the locations below to help you find them:
The Silver Retna Mural at Gallery Brown
Find it at: 140 South Orlando Avenue, West Hollywood
The “Pink Wall” at Paul Smith
Find it at: 8221 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
Find it at: 8521 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood (psst, go inside too!)
Later we Ubered over to the Sci-Arc Institute of Architecture campus in the Arts District in Downtown LA. Jen wanted to check out the school and the stores nearby, and we ended up finding a ton of murals everywhere we looked. If you head to Sci-Arc’s main address and wander around the next few blocks, you will find all of these spots all packed together, and lots more.
Sci-Arc Southern California Institute of Architecture
Find it at: 960 East 3rd St, Los Angeles
So grateful for all the new amazing ladies I’ve met over the last month at the conference, and my lifetime friends like this girl. We’ve been thick as thieves since we were less than a year old, and I think we’re in it for life.