CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

conference

Simply Stylist Los Angeles Conference: 'Do What You Love'

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I not only love bringing you the latest trends, new emerging designers, what you missed at Fashion Week, and what's the next big thing in fashion, but I also love sharing with you some of the best tips and tools of the trade to navigate a successful career in the fashion industry.

So of course, we attended one of the most coveted fashion and beauty networking conferences, the Simply Stylist Conference, 'Do What You Love,' in Los Angeles, CA at The Grove presented by Citi.

During the conference, which is aimed at giving aspiring fashion, beauty, and tech entrepreneurs a platform to learn how to jumpstart their careers, you could network with up-and-coming peers along with industry vets.

Depending on your level of engagement, VIP Fashionista, Fashion & Lover, or Social Butterfly, you could learn from expert panelists including stylists, designers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs ranging from Catt Sadler, Alessandra Ambrosio (Model, Designer), Cara Santana, Wendy Nguyen, Jen Chae, Marcy Guevera, Maria Hatzistefanis, Stassi Schroeder, Michael Costello, Ashley Fultz, Joey Maalouf, Mary Alice Haney, Christy Coleman, Calli Cholodenko, Jenny Bernheim, Jon Reyman, and Anita Patrickson.

When you weren't in one of the engaging panelist discussions, you could enjoy the brand experience area where you could get manicures, snack on yummy treats, drink cocktails, get your make-up done, grab a massage, fashion illustrations, pizza, photos, and more, all while meeting and connecting with like-minded career-driven fashionistas.

One of the best career tips given? Do it. Start your blog, start designing, reach out on social media, and don't forget that when you are out at events and networking, sit next to people that you don't know and make an effort to connect with strangers. You never which encounter will change your life.



Event Scoop: Simply Stylist Fashion & Beauty Conference

Candy WashingtonComment

One of my favorite events of the year is the Simply Stylist's Fashion and Beauty Conference. This year the New York version was held at The Park Central Hotel and had an array of panelists and guests from Lo Bosworth from The Hills, Mr. Jay Manuel from America's Next Top Model, to Ashlee White from Bravo's Princesses: Long Island. The conference is hosted by Catt Sadler from E! News with marketing efforts by Ian Gerard of Syndicate-5. See below for the full conference schedule and some of my top highlights from the event.

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Highlights from Lo Bosworth's Keynote Session

  • It is totally who you know. Be brave enough to ask for an introduction
  • You just have to keep building, because eventually something amazing will come from it
  • Pick one or two things you love and make that your business
  • You have to be prepared to jump out of a plane & build the parachute on the way down
  • Do your research and be different

Highlights from Mr. Jay Manuel Keynote Session

  • Believe and know that YOU ARE ENOUGH
  • Fake it until you make it and create your own opportunities
  • Be as humble as possible but your own biggest advocate
  • You are not defined by other people's opinions
  • Look at all of the avenues that are open to you and listen to your inner gut - the right path will make itself clear to you
  • Commercial modeling brings in the bank
  • Just do. People will be attracted to your passion

Highlights from Hilary Peterson of The Lyst Break-out Session

  • It's all about perceived value - make sure you are delivering on your brand promise
  • You have to invest in getting known and getting out there
  • In ecommerce, it's like 'Day 1'
  • When it comes to building your brand online - adopt early to digital, social, and ecommerce trends
  • No brand is an island