I wanted to share my experience with the three years of going to the Fun Fearless Life conference hosted by Cosmo Magazine in New York City. Each year was different but it was always a two day event that was jam packed with the industry’s finest celebrities. Of course this conference wasn’t just about work, it’s about learning to have fun and live fearlessly in all areas of your day-to-day. We practiced the power pose, learned how to manage our money, the importance of loving your body, and received relationship advice. It was a day of #bosses, big stars, and blow-your-mind moments that will inspired and empowered us to take our career and happiness to the next level.
They planned an inspiring event packed with the smartest and savviest bosses willing to share their secrets to success with us. Each year I made new connections and friends, but I was also always stunned with the new celebrity appearances. Each year, they did include lunch with the Cosmo editors, cocktails with speakers & fellow attendees and makeovers courtesy of Maybelline New York. I think meeting Joanna Coles (now former editor in chief) was a big deal. Every year she would remember me because I somehow how would just make myself known, and make the effort to ask for advice. She is super laid back that you would think she is your new BFF! The celebrity panel included Tyra Banks, Chelsea Handler, Fifth Harmony, Stacy London, Rachel Platten, Ashley Graham, Chrissy Teigen, Gabrielle Union, and much more! Here is some of my favorite advice based on quotes from the panel.
Joanna Coles & I 
Selfie with Leslie Yazel 
Selfie with Matthew Hussey 
With Executive Fashion Director Aya Kanai 
At the Hearst Tower
Chelsea Handler: “I want people to be ballsy. I want people to take chances.”
Fifth Harmony: “Believe in yourself & know wholeheartedly who you are as a person don’t look for verification.”
Matthew Hussey: “Don’t invest in a guy based on how much you like him, invest in a guy based on how much he invests in you.”
Stacy London talked about it’s okay to power down. Sometimes we all need to get off social media for a few days and lock away from the world. It’s about understanding that “social media and real life are two different things.” This brings me back to “Instagram models aren’t real’ article with Elite Daily. It is okay to show the worst side of you. You don’t need to take 100 selfies to get the perfect image, when we are all perfect in our own unique way.
Rachel Platten talked about how it took her 10 years to finally get a hit single, and that age doesn’t matter in this industry when you finally make it big.
Tyra Banks: “Plan for the end at the beginning, Follow your dream before it leaves you, Refuel your mental tank.” – She was talking about how she plans for the end of her projects before the beginning to ensure success. She also says “You can’t afford that” to herself to make her save money. She went on and talked about how when she started out as a model, she would stay at the Doubletree and get free breakfast while everyone else were in expensive hotels. Also took the subway instead of a taxi. Also, ”Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise. Be clear on what value you add and why you deserve it.”
I hope one day Cosmo brings this conference back since it was very inspiring every year. To all the women who are building empires, keep pushing because sometimes it takes time to get where you want to be. I’ve learned that based on my experiences. Never give up, dream big. XOXO
Bucket List achieved: Selfie with Tyra Banks & Ashley Graham
