{Digital Conference Alert} I am attending #SmashboxJefaCon THIS Saturday - find out how you can too! Tag a fellow #Beauty #Boss #Babe and #BFF

 

There are three conferences annually that I have always made it a point to attend, one happened well before Covid so it wasn't affected (waiting to find out what will happen for 2021) the other was cancelled and the third happened digitally, which was PhotoPlus Expo (I am still catching up on sessions so I will recap it once I'm caught up - and can figure out a way to take that massive amount of info and make it concise).

I am attending a Digital Conference this Saturday that I felt it very important to put on your radar! (And HURRY because General Admission is only $25!)

BACKGROUND ON SMASHBOX JEFACON:

The Latinx community, fueled by an inherent entrepreneurial spirit, have been leading the charge in new business development. Hispanic-owned businesses rose at a 40% growth rate from 2012 – 2018 (more than 2x the national average), despite the fact that the Latinx community has faced a funding ceiling that hinders entrepreneurship in the U.S.

It was this spirit that inspired the Smashbox North America team, led by Kimberly Villatoro, Vice President, North America Marketing at Smashbox Cosmetics to leverage their resources to create change. Personally and professionally, Villatoro felt moved to gather resources and create a game-changing program.

Jefacon, a multifaceted collaboration platform that empowers women to recognize their inner boss. Inspired by “jefa”, the Spanish word for “boss,” Smashbox Jefacon celebrates the immense power of all women and honors the numerous interpretations of the jefa mindset.

“Smashbox embodies the hustle. As one of Los Angeles’ original indie beauty brands, we know what it takes to build something from nothing. So do our two incredible collaborators, Beauty industry moguls Julissa Prado, CEO and Founder of Rizos Curls, and Patty Delgado, Founder and designer of Hija de tu Madre, have partnered with Smashbox in a double on-and-off-line initiative to help other Latinas connect with their inner jefas and inspire them to act on their goals, dreams and business ideas.” says Villatoro. “Together we will use our voice and amplification power to inspire and empower the women who define history, beauty and evolution.”

With a clear vision, the Smashbox team set out to find partners who embody the hustle. Villatoro and fellow Latina powerhouse colleague Courtney Childress (Smashbox Executive Director, Global Product Marketing) zoned in on Delgado and Prado after discovering they had both been following their entrepreneurial journeys.

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

• Karla Martinez de Salas, Vogue Mexico Editor in Chief will discuss "how to find your most empowering and personal style"

• Ana Flores, We All Grow Latina Founder will discuss "sharing ways of decoding and manifesting your vision" (Ana and We All Grow Latina have been featured on our pages before, she is incredibly inspiring! 

• If you are a We All Grow Member, (if you are not you can join for free) - check out this Instagram post to find out how members can access this conference free of charge here!) You should also check out her Hear Us, See Us Panel sponsored by Comcast, it's on YouTube (FREE!) here: Hear Us, See Us - YouTube)

• Alexandra Garcia, Google, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will discuss "how to find your "jefa" story" (a workshop focused on storytelling skills).

• Lilliana Vazquez, Carmen Rita Wong, Janet Jones Veloso, Dulce Candy and many more from the global community of Jefas!

ANOTHER COOL WAY TO GET YOUR VIRTUAL TICKET:

SMASHBOX X HIJA DE TU MADRE BEAUTY BOX

Inspired by Patty’s jefa mood: Muy Bossy. Exclusively available at HijaDeTuMadre.com and Smashbox.com, the kit will include Patty’s favorite Smashbox items to create her versatile bossy bold look.

Smashbox x Hija de tu Madre Makeup Kit will include: ($98 retail, $190+ value)

• Always On Liquid Lipstick in Bang Bang
• LA Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in the shade Silverlake Sunset
• Full Exposure Mascara
• The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer (Travel Size)
• “Hello, My Name is La Jefa” Tote Bag
• Limited Edition Hija de tu Madre Sticker Sheet & Jefa Mirror Decals
• Virtual ticket to Smashbox Jefacon on 12/5

SMASHBOX X RIZOS CURLS BEAUTY BOX

Inspired by Julissa’s ultimate jefa mood: Glow Getter. Available at RizosCurls.com and Smashbox.com, the kit will include Julissa’s favorite Smashbox items to create her signature bronze, dewy, glow-getter look.

Smashbox x Rizos Curls Makeup Kit will include: ($98 retail, $200 value)

• Photo Finish Vitamin Glow Primer
• Halo Glow Highlighter Duo in Golden Bronze
• Cali Contour Palette in Light/Medium
• Gloss Angeles Lip Gloss in Michelada
• “Hello, My Name is La Jefa” Tote Bag
• Limited Edition Jefa Inspiration Guide
• $10 Rizos Curls Gift Card
• Virtual Ticket to Smashbox Jefacon on 12/5

MY TAKE:

I know so many people are feeling 'boxed in' with so much being closed off to us this year, but please don't overlook Digital Conferences. Digital Conferences keep you connected not just to your current industry, but to your passions too.

Expand your horizons, your passion projects, your dreams, the smart way - don't attempt to re-invent the wheel - it's been done. But you can listen to podcasts, watch as many digital conferences as you can and listen to speakers who are generously sharing their journey with you. Their mistakes don't have to be yours and their triumphs shared can be your inspiration.

If you are attending the conference & decide to share power quotes that resonate with you, don't forget to use the conference hashtag: #SmashboxJefaCon

READERS SOUND OFF: Do you want to be your own boss? Do you have a Jefa/boss mindset? What was your favorite Digital Conference this year? Which ones do you want to attend next year?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I will be covering this conference as Digital Press. This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Could you use a $200 Visa Gift Card?

Remember when I shared my 'My Not So Dirty Little Conference Secret!'? Conferences are usually super long hours and require a lot of stamina. As I don't drink coffee or tea, and when I do drink soda, it's the caffeine free version, during Conferences, Red-Eye Flights and those days where work requires me to be 'on-point' for more hours than I'm used to, I rely on 5-hour ENERGY®   I met their street team last year where they were handing out samples on the way in to the convention center. I ended up trying one of them that same day and since then it's the only energy product I personally buy and continue to use.

I get great results with them, it takes effect relatively quickly, lasts as promised, I don't get jitters or nervous and I have never experienced a crash with it later. Where as with Soda sometimes I do!

Another thing I really love about 5-hour ENERGY® is that they really want to be YOUR number one choice when reaching for an Energy Product, enough so, that they want to check in and see how YOU feel about 5-hour ENERGY®!

5-hour ENERGY® in conjuntion with our friends at Smiley360, are offering you the chance to win a $200 Visa Gift Card (and who couldn't use that right about now?), just for completing a super short survey to share your opinions!

I don't know about you, but I'm thinking that would pretty much cover Halloween costs, or make for a great head start for holiday shopping!

And while you are here, don't forget to enter our Nicole Miller 'Addison' Designer Handbag Giveaway (ARV $295), this bicycle chain crossbody bag is a true stunner!

Go Ahead Butterfly, Tell them what you think and gain entry to win a $200 Visa Gift Card, you've got a lot to gain, and absolutely nothing to lose!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I received a free sample of 5-hour ENERGY® courtesy of Smiley360 for editorial consideration. This is not a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and all opinions are 100% my own. If you win the Visa Gift Card for taking the survey, I win one too! This is my preferred energy drink, but we recommend checking in with your doctor before taking this or any other energy drink. Please use these products as recommended only!

Wordless Wednesday: Harrahs Casino in New Orleans!

Isn't this is a great shot of the Harrahs sign? I'm pretty please with myself on this shot, this is NOT a PR shot, it's mine!

During my trip to the Niche Mommy Blogging Conference in New Orleans, I got to sneak in some time to visit the Harrahs Casino in New Orleans which is within walking distance of The Roosevelt Hotel, (the conference was held at this hotel and this is where I stayed, amazing hotel with so much within walking distance!) here are some pictures:

Harrahs NOLA,  New Orleans Casino - I took this shot while on my way to the Insectarium!

Harrahs NOLA,  New Orleans Casino at night!

Harrahs NOLA,  New Orleans Casino (Left: Ascending Butterfly!)

Harrahs NOLA,  New Orleans Casino, (Left: Ascending Butterfly!)

Get Social With It:

I got to visit the Casino with a great blogger pal Maria from http://bloggingbabiesandthebayou.com we visited during the evening and then I got a day shot of the exterior the day we went to the Insectarium, but the cool part is that we Tweeted the Casino to tell them we had a great time, and they tweeted us right back! Don't you love when brands use their Social Media to truly 'engage'? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet with @harrahsnola on twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' them on Facebook too (and of course don't forget to tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly!)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have NOT been compensated to share my experiences at The Harrah's New Orleans Casino. Please Gamble Responsibly! ;-)

My Not So Dirty Little Conference Secret!

Last year on my way to the endless maze that is the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York City I ran into a street team passing out 5-hour ENERGY® Samples. They were energetic, enthusiastic and all around nice, so how I could refuse them right?

I put them in my handbag and almost forgot about them. That is until about 3pm, when I realized I had dashed out the door without breakfast, hadn't drank much water and spent the entire day on my feet and still hadn't had lunch. To say I was exhausted was an under-statement. I remembered the sample, but I hesitated. This is the girl who never even tried that little pill that is phonetically similar to 'slow crows' even when cramming for exams in College when it was very popular. I was afraid of the 'crash' I heard these things can cause and as I avoid caffeine on a daily basis (when I do drink soda, it's caffeine free) I was a bit nervous about trying it.

When I realized I was no closer to food and dead on my feet I gave in, and I tried it. I was pleasantly surprised that I found it be very fast acting. I also made sure I stopped and ate something, and bought extra bottled water to get through the rest of the expo. After the expo I had to stop by the office, and after that an evening event, that day was pretty much an 18 hour day, and 5-hour ENERGY® did give me just that extra boost I needed to get through the day without collapsing from sheer exhaustion!

A few weeks later, I had landed an awesome side job, the problem with that side job is that it started late evening, and ran pretty much through the night and I had to be back at work early in the morning. I reached for my second sample and again it got me through a super long day with no crash and no negative side effects. That awesome side job went so well it became a once a week thing for about a year, needless to say I kept myself in supply of my favorite energy drink!

Now I carry one with me every time I have to visit an Expo or Conference, not just at the Javitz but anywhere. I also bring one with me when I have to fly to the West Coast and especially when I fly international to keep myself from getting too tired when I have to be 'on'. Whether it's a presentation or a client dinner. Honestly, even on a vacation with an over-packed itinerary.

5-hour ENERGY® is the first of it's kind that I tried and it worked well for me so I haven't tried any others, but like they say 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it', right?

What's in 5-hour ENERGY®?

The key ingredients in 5-hour ENERGY® are also available in every day foods – like broccoli, avocados, bananas and apples – or already in you. It contains zero sugar, four calories and as much caffeine as a cup of the leading premium coffee. (and for those like me who restrict their daily caffeine intake, there is also available a Decaf Version)

Why try 5-hour ENERGY®?

Quick, simple and effective Fast and easy to consume Zero sugar Zero herbal stimulants 4 calories!

B-vitamins and amino acids As much caffeine as a cup of the leading premium coffee Also available in a Decaf version Non carbonated

What it DOESN'T?

5-hour ENERGY® does not cure any disease and/or ailments and does not enhance performance. It should not be drank before going to a club/bar and should not be used with alcohol. In addition, 5-hour ENERGY® is not for children!

My Take

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Individual Results Will Vary, but in MY personal experience, it gave me just the boost that I needed. It was fact-acting in my case, and I did not experience any kind of crash after drinking it. I do NOT drink this daily, I use energy drinks very infrequently probably 1-2 times per month, but when I do use them it's 5-hour ENERGY® for me!

Get Social With It!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can LIKE 5-hour ENERGY® on FACEBOOK - by the way butterfly check out the 'WIN' Tab on their facebook page too for fun contests!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet with @5HourEnergyGuy on TWITTER

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hang Out with the 5-hour ENERGY® family on Google Plus too!

Share Butterflies, How do you get over the 3pm slump?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I received a free sample of 5-hour ENERGY® courtesy of Smiley360 for editorial consideration. This is not a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and all opinions are 100% my own. I am an infrequent user of 5-hour ENERGY® but have not had any negative experiences with the product and it is my preferred Energy Drink.