You and I have always known that women kick ass in leadership positions (and give the best career advice, too). And for a long time, we didn’t need more proof than looking to the CEO of our childhood households, professors, bosses and managers at work. But now the numbers are in.

According to corporate research conducted by Harvard Business Review, women are thought to be more effective than men in 84% of skill sets most frequently measured in thousands of 360-degree reviews, including taking initiative, acting with resilience, driving for results, and displaying high integrity. What’s more, “women are perceived by their managers—particularly their male managers—to be slightly more effective than men at every hierarchical level and in virtually every functional area of the organization,” according to Harvard Business Review. 

Data like that is undeniable (thanks to the force of females who have put in the work) and nowhere is it more needed than in industries that almost entirely cater to women, but are still largely run by men. That’s why we tapped some of the biggest bosses in beauty—including CEOs, scientists, investors, and entrepreneurs—to share how they lead with power, empathy, and purpose for an overdue, industry-wide sea change that’s teeing the rest of us up to rise and shine. Below, see the hacks and habits that have put beauty’s brightest women on top.

Cara Sabin, CEO of Sundial Brands and Co-Founder, 25 Black Women In Beauty

Courtesy of Cara Sabin.

Being Intentional

Don’t speak just to fill up silence; be purposeful and intentional with your words—they’ll have greater impact.

Miranda Kerr, Founder and CEO, Kora Organics 

Courtesy of Miranda Kerr.

Negotiating a Raise

Negotiating your starting pay or asking for a raise are key factors when deciding to take a new job or feeling valued in an existing position, so you need to be prepared and confident that your accomplishments and /or performance merits a pay rise and then demonstrate that. Treat the discussion as a collaboration and don’t go in on the defense—set the tone for your request by expressing gratitude, then highlight your key accomplishments and contributions. 

Think beyond your monthly pay (dollar and cents) and look to other things that may be important to you such as workplace flexibility for example, a day working from home, or company paid training and tuition in your chosen field.

Pocket Sun, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, SoGal Ventures 

Source: Instagram

Finding Next-Level Mentorship

I don’t think we need to hold on to the idea of having a one-on-one, exclusive mentor (although if you have a good one it could be tremendous). You can get virtual mentorship from blogs, podcasts, etc., and sometimes that advice is just as helpful. You can also have a group of people with expertise and experience that you can reach out to with questions—it doesn’t need to be one person. 

Finding a sponsor for your career could be even more important, someone who would recommend you for awards, features, funding, promotions, etc. Do NOT count on a mentor within the same company; you should always have a resource that’s outside of your company. 

I highly recommend having a coach/therapist. It’s helped me a lot in gaining inner resiliency.

Deepica Mutyala, Founder and CEO, Live Tinted

Courtesy of Deepica Mutyala.

The Biggest Asset of Leading as a Woman

I lead with empathy, which doesn’t mean weakness. I do my best to understand the mindset of my team and help them overcome any challenges they may face. I want to ensure everyone feels empowered, healthy, and enjoys coming to work everyday. In my experience, I cannot say empathy has been a strong suit of male leadership.

Stay Focused

As an entrepreneur in the age of social media, it’s very easy to get distracted with what you’re seeing online. The best advice I’ve received is to keep blinders on and stay focused on my mission. The rest is just noise. 

Erica Douglas (aka Sister Scientist), Cosmetic Chemist

Source: Instagram

What to Do When Someone Takes Credit For Your Work

First, address the person directly and let them know that they have overlooked your contribution. In many cases it is unintentional and they will correct their mistake. But if they do not take the opportunity to self-correct, then go around them and find a professional and graceful (some may say petty but I prefer informative) way to show ‘receipts’ of your contribution. It could be as simple as an email to the team after a group project like ‘I just want to take the time to thank the entire team for your contributions to this project. I would have never been able to pull together the last edits of this presentation without the data you shared with me.’  Never let somebody take your shine! You deserve it!

Saying No

As an entrepreneur, the power of ‘NO’ and delegation are some of the most valuable things I’ve learned.  I am very candid with people about the value of my time and the need to prioritize. I will say ‘Unfortunately, I don’t have the capacity at this moment to handle this.’ Then I will suggest an alternative person they can look to or another potential solution. This shows that my inability to help is not a result of me not caring about them or their needs.

Melissa Butler, Founder and CEO, The Lip Bar

Courtesy of Melissa Butler.

Shutting Down and Rerouting Conversations That Don’t Serve

This happens to me all the time. The best way to go about it is to remind whoever you are speaking with of your purpose. For example, I am a beauty founder. I sell makeup and I know a lot about it, but that’s not my purpose. My purpose is to remind people that they are enough, that they are already beautiful and to empower and educate. I go to so many industry or networking events and people hear about I do so they will try to talk to me about lipstick. I know more than that; I have opinions on the stock market, politics and business affairs. I bring a lot of value outside of lipstick knowledge.

Keeping Good Company

The best piece of business advice I’ve received is not to be the smartest person in the room. I practice this in everything from hiring to networking. I am forever a student and am always trying to learn. If I can learn from my team that is awesome or from my partner that is beautiful. I’m better for it. And taking that one step further, don’t learn just for the sake of learning. Apply the knowledge, practice and grow.

Kadi Lee, Celebrity Colorist and Co-Founder, Highbrow Hippie Salon 

Courtesy of Kadi Lee.

Grace Under Pressure

I have had two mentors in my career, and they both gave me two pieces of indispensable advice.  My first mentor, the legendary Constance Hartnett, was the color director of Frederic Fekkai in NYC for many years before she retired in her 80s.  As one of her last assistants, I would help navigate her day that would sometimes consist of 25-30 clients. Not only did this woman never complain, she always remained calm and zen.  

One day I started to visibly panic when my second assistant went missing and we started getting backed up.  Timers were going off left and right. In the middle of my meltdown Constance sternly took me aside and told me to get it together and keep a poker face,  She said that most likely the clients had no idea which timer was for what person, so my panic was unnecessary and not solving anything. She said calmly, ‘be like a duck Kadi,’ and she walked away. She meant, it’s OK to be paddling like hell underneath the surface, but above water, appear calm and just float and glide along. To this day, the first thing clients comment on when they are in my chair is how calm I am, and it always makes me giggle inside and think of her.

Claiming the Space You Deserve

My second mentor, the incredible Serge Normant, has been selfless in giving advice over the years.  One day I was feeling very low about a client questioning whether I was capable of doing her hair because I was black and therefore had different hair than she did, and he told me to always be proud that I was different, and that one day the very thing that made me different, is what would set me apart from the rest.  That one piece of advice changed my career, and my outlook on life, and I now proudly enter every space like I not only belong but deserve to be there.

Tia Mowry, Actor and Founder, Anser

Courtesy of Tia Mowry.

Build a Professional Sisterhood

When women come together, we’re unstoppable. It’s so important to find your tribe or community because that support can lift you up so high. 

My best tip for doing this is never be afraid to give a compliment and communicate the good things people are doing. I feel like people focus too much on the negative, but it’s just as powerful, if not stronger, to focus on what people are doing right versus what they are doing wrong. Support gives a foundation to whatever you’re trying to achieve and build, which is how I was able to launch my own brand.

Gabriela Hernandez, Beauty Historian and Co-Founder, Bésame Cosmetics

Courtesy of Gabriela Hernandez.

Rising Above Imposter’s Syndrome

I’ve suffered imposter’s syndrome many times—it is part of being a creative to always doubt yourself or think that your work is just not good enough. I just have to remind myself of the things I have accomplished and the customers who love our products, and forge ahead. At a certain point, being a perfectionist will stifle growth, because you can always make something better.

Working Smarter, Not Harder 

I set my priorities for the day early in the morning so I can tackle the most important things as I get into the office. I have learned to make that list as short as possible so the chances of actually finishing those tasks is really high. Trying to do too much makes me too scattered to get anything done.

I also pick my battles. You don’t have to win all arguments or engage in conflicts as they come up in operating your business. Sometimes it takes more effort and resources to fight something than it is worth, so letting things go is positive in those instances.

Dr. Lisa Cassileth, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Founder Cassileth Plastic Surgery and Skin Care

Courtesy of Dr. Lisa Cassileth.

Parsing Bad Advice

Whenever a man says, ‘this is what I would tell my daughter,’ or ‘this is just too hard for a woman,’ then you know you are on the right track… do the opposite of what he says. When I was deciding on Beverly Hills as my practice locale, I was told all those things and more. ‘There’s a reason, Lisa, why there are no women here. It’s just way too competitive.’ The question is, competitive for whom? I came into town and got busy fast.

Being Your Own Hype Woman

Many female surgeons just don’t come out of the gate believing in themselves and they aren’t aggressive enough. Meanwhile, a not very successful male grad a few years back declared himself “the best butt surgeon in the world” and was busy in a month. Sometimes, you talk the talk before you walk the walk, and that’s harder for women to do, as I find they are more humble and self-deprecating.

Matching With a Mentee

I think the main reason people fail is that they need to keep the end goal in mind at all times. The end goal is about your own success and fulfillment and the gratitude that comes with it. On a daily basis, drama will try to pull you from your vision. So when I work with a mentee, I like people that have a strong vision for themselves, and can be turned back to the path with my support. If they are caught up in drama easily, are insecure, doubt themselves, or worst, undermine themselves and me with jealously and paranoia, then I’m not able to truly help them.

Belinda Smith, Founder and Creative Director, St. Rose Artisan Fragrances

Courtesy of Belinda Smith.

Bossing Up

A decade ago at the beginning of my career as a post-grad in the fashion industry, I would have quoted; “females in a male-dominated field often have to be twice as good as the men to be considered equal. Consider it motivation.” However, thankfully in the last ten years, I think we’ve come a long way. There is definitely a lot of progress to go but I think we are in the midst of not just a gender revolution but a diversity revolution. 

I love a conversation I overheard at a coffee shop where two college kids were arguing over whether you should put ‘girl’ in front of ‘boss’. The conversation was basically like, drop the label, just be a boss. So that’s my advice: be a boss.

Charlotte Cho, Esthetician and Co-Founder, Soko Glam and Then I Met You

Courtesy of Charlotte Cho.

Becoming an Expert

Put in the time and effort to become the subject matter expert. Sometimes I believe we falsely think that success happens overnight and without much preparation. I started Soko Glam in 2012 without any previous experience in ecommerce, beauty and skin care. It was completely fueled by my passion and desire to learn as much as I can. While starting Soko Glam, I attended esthetician school at night for a year. This not only helped me be a better curator, but a better skin expert and it also helped me write my book to share my tips with the world! 

When it came to business and there was something I wasn’t sure about, I reached out to my network and tried to ask as many questions and asked for help. When I launched Then I Met You in 2018, I didn’t rush into it. I experienced several product collaborations with our top brands (Neogen, Cosrx, etc) before diving into product formulation for Then I Met You. It’s only been a year and a half since I launched my own line, but we’ve already won seven industry awards. That couldn’t have happened without some sweat and tears behind it.

Getting and Giving Help

I think there’s an element of vulnerability in asking for help and sharing what your struggles are. I also try to be as helpful as possible in return. Kindness goes a long way, no matter what industry you are in.

This weekend is probably going to about the same as the last one. Since we’re still social-distancing, it’s all about finding ways to occupy ourselves at home. Tarte’s Friends & Family sale for spring 2020 might help keep your hands busy and save you some money at the same time. Whenever Tarte rolls out one of these sales, we’re able to stock up on foundation and concealer and even test a new product or two we haven’t seen before. All these goodies are up to 30 percent off.

As with any big beauty sale, some exclusions apply. You can’t use the Friends & Family discount on vaults, bundles, travel size, goodie grabs, Hannah Meloche x Sugar Tush Multi-Purpose Palette or the new Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara. But there’s some seriously good news. Often, Shape Tape is excluded from the sale as well because it’s such a big seller. But not this time. Stock up the cult-favorite concealer while you grab the new Maracuja Tinted Hydrator or one of a bunch of colorful eyeshadow palettes that are sure to occupy your time indoors.

The sale runs from March 27 to April 1. Use code BESTIES for 25 percent off. If you’re a Tarte Rewards member, you’ll get 30 percent off with the same code. (It’s free to sign up.) We got you started with some of our favorites, below.

Image: Tarte.

Shape Tape Concealer

The vegan, waterproof, full-coverage formula is a favorite for a reason.

Image: Tarte.

Maneater Mascara

Curl and coat your lashes with intense black pigment.

Image: Tarte.

Busy Gal Goals Eye & Cheek Palette

With nine eyeshadow shades and two face colors.

Image: Tarte.

Maracuja Tinted Hydrator

This new tinted moisturizer is ultra-lightweight and hydrating.

Image: Tarte.

Maracuja Oil

This vegan face oil contains maracuja seeds for a burst of vitamin C and essential fatty acids.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Coming
home from grocery stores in the past weeks during this rapidly escalating
Covid-19 outbreak has left me both anxious and overwhelmed.

As
I’ve scanned the increasing number of empty shelves in most grocery chains,
I’ve wondered, as no doubt you have, how I will manage to sustain a healthy
diet on a modest budget. Not to mention while following recommendations to
distance socially and self-isolate.

Good
nutrition is of the utmost importance right now to boost our immune systems during
this pandemic that could last for months.

Healthy Nutrition

The
most prudent and practical solution for me has been to switch to more of a
plant-based diet recently. I am not vegan or vegetarian, although I have always
included several vegetarian meals each week in my diet, mostly because they are
economical and I love to eat a variety of foods.

Now,
as it becomes more difficult to stock fresh foods on a regular basis, it just
makes sense to stock the pantry with dried goods such as rice, lentils, beans,
pasta, and canned goods which offer good nutritional value and longer shelf
lives. And for the most part, they are easier on the budget.

Today,
I threw together this delicious vegan stew which was just so easy to prepare
and is so fail-proof that even your grandkids could make it! Rice and dried red
lentils are the main ingredients.

Lentils have been a
source of sustenance for our ancestors since prehistoric times. They are the oldest pulse crop
known to man and one of the earliest domesticated crops. Lentils are rich in fiber and protein and are
packed with nutrients such as folate, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and
potassium.

Much has been written of late about the healing properties of herbs and spices. One of my goals during this pandemic is to
start an indoor herb ‘garden’ (starting with just a few pots) and maybe even start
drying herbs and creating my own spice blends. But for today, I have to admit
that I used mostly store-bought blends.

Don’t Follow the Rules; Have Fun Experimenting

When I cook, I don’t follow recipes. I just throw together ingredients
and then give them the taste test. That’s the best part!

So, the recipe below does not include specific measurements. You can
adjust the spices to your liking. I personally like spicy and warming foods, so
I added liberal amounts, but if you like milder flavours, just sprinkle the
spices sparingly rather than liberally.

Once the preparation is on the stove, you can sit back and relax while
enjoying the aromas that are going to make you salivate!

The Very Simple 4-Step Plan

Sauté ½ to 1 cup of diced onions in olive oil in a large stock pot.

Add 1 cup of brown and wild rice, 1 cup of dried red lentils (rinsed
and drained), 1 large can (19 fl. oz.) of diced tomatoes including the liquid,
and 3 cups of water. If you like a more soup-like consistency, add more water.

Add all or some of the following spices. Sprinkle liberally or
lightly, according to your liking:

• Ground turmeric (at least 1 tsp). This gives the stew a lovely colour and flavour
• Ginger (freshly grated or powdered)
• Mild curry powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic – freshly smashed and peeled or powdered
• Lemon and pepper seasoning
• Chili and lime spice blend
• Ginger lemon sriracha spice blend
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (raw and unfiltered is best)
• ½ fresh lemon – just throw this into the mixture – you can discard it later
• Any other spices that you have on hand and would like to add

Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 45 minutes, stirring
occasionally.

That’s It!

Now all you have to do is enjoy it! Next time, change it up by using
barley instead of rice, or maybe brown lentils instead of red.

During these unprecedented, rapidly changing, and daunting times, we
all need to become more creative, more budget-conscious, and more nutritionally
aware when preparing meals. However, it’s my belief that we still need to enjoy
our food and have fun preparing it.

Cooking is one of those delightful necessities or hobbies (however you
regard it) that nourishes not only the body, but also the soul. Have fun with
this recipe and let me know how you make out. Bon appetite!

How are you cooking and eating differently during this time? Have you discovered any new meal planning approaches that you would like to share with our community? How do you balance social distancing and self-isolation measures with the necessity of grocery shopping? Let’s have a conversation!

Cynthia Bailey’s Red Bow Jumpsuit

Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 12 Episode 19 Fashion

Cynthia Bailey looked like the perfect present in her red bow jumpsuit at Porsha Williams’ event on tonights’ Real Housewives of Atlanta. She was perfectly styled in this pop of color with a dramatic bow and hair worn up to hi-light her perfectly toned shoulders.  And the best part is there are some amazing and affordable Style Stealers for this look that are in cropped or playsuit versions that are absolutely amazing for any Real Housewives worthy occasion.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to See her Jovani Bow Halter Jumpsuit

Originally posted at: Cynthia Bailey’s Red Bow Jumpsuit

Before the
recent restrictions on socializing, every night after dinner in my community’s
main building, an older gentleman sat in a wing chair opposite the central
elevator, holding a bag of dog treats.

He gave
one to every canine that passed by (on a leash, of course). Bob was an
institution: people sat on either side of him to watch and to kibbutz.

Enter Sally, My Terrier with an Attitude

The first
time I walked my dog to the elevator, Bob asked if he could give her a treat. I
replied, “She’s not friendly.”

As
sometimes happens with rescued animals, Sally reacts aggressively when she
perceives a threat. If an unknown man raises his hand to wave at me, she goes
crazy. She does not tolerate any incursions on her turf.

Bob was not
daunted by my warning. The next time Sally and I passed by, he asked if he
could give her a treat. I relented, telling her to sit while Bob offered the
cookie. She took it, and I called her away.

The
following evening, full of confidence, Bob offered her a treat. She took it,
and stared up at him with those big, hungry eyes. He gave her another. She ate
it and waited for more.

Don’t Press Your Luck

Just as I started
to say, “That’s enough,” he began to pet her. Without her permission. And she
bit him.

Not a
full-mouthed, tear-that-squirrel-limb-from-limb kind of bite. Rather, a
closed-mouth bang on the hand, not breaking skin but hard enough to leave a
black-and-blue mark that would last weeks.

Of course,
I apologized. Bob said he didn’t need first aid and looked at me with a
bewildered expression. He seemed more confused than hurt. I guessed he thought
he had been getting along well with Sally. I apologized again and left the
scene. I thought that was the end of the affair.

I Was Wrong

A few days
later, as Sally and I walked sedately past Bob’s group at the elevator, I heard
them talking about another dog that had behaved badly.

Evidently,
the pooch had charged yet another dog, a sweet creature belonging to a popular
resident. A woman I didn’t know said to me, ‘Your dog bites, but you have it
under control.’” She nodded approvingly.

The word
was out: my dog bites.

At first,
I was taken aback. Sally wouldn’t bite unless provoked. This was slander. But,
I had to concede, she was easily provoked. Then I realized Sally’s new
reputation as a biter would be a good thing. It would make people stay away
from her.

To tell
the truth, I had been worried that some senior citizens might be attracted to
her good looks – one ear stands up and the other flops
down around her cute, terrier face – and I’d bought
a dog jacket with the words DO NOT PET velcroed to the sides.

Now I
wouldn’t need to make her wear the jacket. Her reputation would precede her.

More Encounters

The next
day, as we walked down the main corridor to the restaurant, two people coming
toward us stopped and flattened themselves against the wall until we passed.

Later that
week, when I took Sally on a bike ride – I pedaled
and she trotted alongside me on a short leash – on the
sidewalk surrounding the community, two people stepped off the sidewalk into
the street.

I appreciated
having my pathway cleared, but I wondered if they thought Sally more dangerous
than oncoming cars.

Evidently,
the word had spread quickly and thoroughly throughout the community. I’d never
lived in a small town before, but, I thought, this must be what it’s like.

The Flip Side

On second
thought, I realized that ours is not an ordinary small town. People have
gathered here because they need an extra layer of care due to age or illness.
And they also give care.

When a
resident got disturbing news about his wife’s condition and became distraught,
a neighbor cancelled her engagements to go sit with him.

When I
left town for a few days, two women adopted my husband, without being asked, to
make sure he’d enjoy his meals. People look out for each other here. They pay
attention to each other’s business so that they can.

Sally’s
bum rap will protect her, and everyone else, in the end.

It’s not
just the staff and procedures that keep us safe in this community. It’s also the
residents. In this awful time of pandemic, I feel good knowing everyone around
me will bend over backwards to keep their distance and wash their hands.

Would you be comfortable living in a place
where everyone pays attention to your comings and goings? Would the tradeoff
for extraordinary care be worth it to you? Let’s have a conversation.