Urban Ninja
I’m not gonna lie, I love the Alcove. The big patio with the grass growing between the brick & the mismatched garden seating just screams Southern California and reminds me that we have better weather than, well, anyone. And tucked in the corner of this magical garden is Big Bar. An only slightly ironic name for a widdle bar with a big heart.
Well this neighborhood gem celebrates 5 years of serving their community with good cheer & delicious drinks. Last week kicked off 5 Thursdays in October, where Big Bar will be celebrating 5 years, over 5 weeks with a number of fun events bringing back past bartenders, past bar managers, and past drinks that the community voted on as their favorites.
Big Bar Launches its Throwback Menu.
Featuring such favorites as:
Spin the wheel-o-cocktails and see where it lands. Leave your drink to chance with a wheel filled with Big Bar Favorites (on-menu and off-menu) with a bevy of guest bartenders of Big Bar Past making their way behind the stick to ring in 5 years of Big Bar.
Big Bar will also be releasing a barrel aged version of a Big Bar favorite – the Ponte Vecchio – an old fashioned variation with rye, Galliano L’Authentico, and Miracle Mile Forbidden Bitters.
Two nights of “Too Many Bartenders” featuring bartenders who have all had a part in Big Bar’s history. A veritable whos-who of LA Bartenders — 4 bartenders per evening including: Karen Grill (Sassafrass Saloon), Alex Strauss (EP/LP), Cari Hah (Clifton’s Cafeteria), Chris Day (General Lee’s), Aaron Melendrez (Normandie Club), & Genie Gore (Melrose Umbrella).
LT (Eugene Lee & Chris Day)
RT (Flo Hartigan, Eugene Lee, Cari Hah)
A spooky pre-Halloween Thursday with Randy Tarlow (Liquid Alchemist) & Alex Goode (Mt. Gay Rum) called “All My Friends are Dead” which should prove to be a ghoulish affair.
Photo by: Eugene Lee
[su_spotlightheader who=”Neha Sampat” what=”CEO of Built.io” where=”San Francisco, CA”]Meet Neha Sampat, the CEO of Built.io, a digital platform that helps businesses harness tomorrow’s emerging technologies – today. A champion for women in tech and female entrepreneurs, Sampat is a frequent guest speaker on panels about diversity and women in tech. No stranger to leading the pack, Sampat has been featured on many top ranking lists, such as this year’s “San Francisco Business Times 40 under 40” and “50 Women in Tech Dominating Silicon Valley.” Committed to fostering tomorrow’s leaders, she founded 4B Global, a foundation that aims to inspire and empower young women to become leaders. In addition to being a self professed “math nerd,” the tech leader is also a certified “wine nerd,” having acquired her sommelier certification, providing sommelier services through her company Velvet Rope Wines. We talked to the CEO about inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM, getting over insecurities, and listening to the wise words of Dr. Seuss.[/su_spotlightheader]
How did Built.io get started?
I remember a conversation with my co-founder 10 years ago after the “dot com” craze had passed. As entrepreneurs, we were contemplating the next big thing. He believed that everything would become Internet-enabled and would run on this new technology called “cloud computing.” At the time, we both worked for large enterprise companies that made complex software. We set out to build a company that would simplify the way software was built, managed and connected. That’s what we did with Built.io.
Why did you think the world needed Built.io?
I spent a lot of time working at big companies and marveling at how long it can take to get things done. This resulted in a determination to find a better way, a faster way and to help established companies accelerate their business. I founded Built.io together with our CTO Nishant Patel to apply cutting edge technology to help companies grow their business and solve big problems – by innovating faster. We spent the first few years as a services company, building custom digital solutions using cloud, web and mobile applications for large enterprises – long before most companies even knew what these buzzwords meant. Along the way we realized we could help our customers innovate more quickly as a product company, so we built out a digital platform that today helps the world’s leading brands to connect their business and provide groundbreaking digital experiences for their customers, employees and partners.
Were you always interested in tech? To what do you attribute that interest in STEM?
One of my life mantras is to “Never Be Boring.” This is why I believe I didn’t find tech; Tech found me. At university, I majored in French and Mass Communications. Outside of being a math nerd most of my life, I didn’t really have any exposure to STEM and what STEM meant for me. I started my career in public relations in Denver, CO where I graduated from university. I quickly learned that I liked PR, but I wanted to take my PR skills to a fast-paced, exciting field. At the time, there was a lot of talk about the “dotcom” world and Silicon Valley. I decided that I wanted to be in that world. I applied to a few jobs on a Wednesday, got on a plane and interviewed for a job on Friday and by the following Monday, I had packed my bags and driven to Silicon Valley. I never looked back.
What do you think would encourage other young women to pursue careers in STEM?
Earlier exposure to the enticing world of STEM is the best way to engage young women to pursue related careers. Research shows that 74% of middle school girls express interest in STEM subjects, but when choosing a college major, just 0.4% of high school girls select computer science. I’ve even started my own foundation to help spark entrepreneurial interest in young women at an earlier age. Luckily there are several organizations, resources and tools available dedicated to exposing young women to science, technology and engineering. Some of my favorites include:
You have been known to be a big supporter of female entrepreneurs. Did you have a mentor? if so, how did that shape the path you have taken in life?
I have several business mentors! I like to think of these individuals as my “Personal Board of Directors” as they are not only business mentors, but champions for me as a growing individual and leader. My personal Board of Directors consists of a couple of my current customers, two former colleagues that are in leadership positions at large companies, my best friend, my husband, and three other people that have successfully scaled their business(es).
While this is changing rapidly, it sometimes seems as if Silicon Valley is still a boys’ club. Do you find that to be true and how does that affect you?
I strive to help Silicon Valley become a level playing field. We are far from it today and it has an impact on every female entrepreneur. For example, males are 63% more likely to raise capital than women, all other things equal. Research also shows that 95% of venture deals and dollars are going to companies with not one woman in the top management suite. So while an equal playing field is not yet in sight, there are a few key players in the industry that are helping to move the needle in the right direction. Two women who I greatly admire to this effect are Sharon Vosmek and Lisa Lambert.
What do you think is the biggest hurdle women face when choosing to become entrepreneurs?
[quote_left]I believe one of the biggest hurdles women face is the “Impostor Syndrome” in which one is convinced that they are a fraud and do not deserve the success they have achieved.[/quote_left]I believe one of the biggest hurdles women face is the “Impostor Syndrome” in which one is convinced that they are a fraud and do not deserve the success they have achieved. I’ve seen this in myself and many high-achieving women I know and admire. This false sense of insecurity impedes successful entrepreneurs from approaching influencers in their network, from successfully raising funds, and from being strong negotiators. To be successful in business, you have to hustle. Women who are hustlers and navigate their business with confidence stand out and win.
Do you believe work-life balance is an achievable goal?
I have subscribed to the “Glass Balls vs. Rubber Ball” theory introduced 20+ years ago at a Georgia Tech commencement speech by Bryan Dyson, then the President and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises. He explained: “Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit – and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.” I try to remind myself and my colleagues about this on a regular basis. We all work really hard, but we certainly make time for the people and things that are important to us.
In light of that, walk us through a typical day in your life.
One thing of note is that there is no such thing as a “typical day” when you are an entrepreneur. No days ever go as planned, and there is never a dull moment. One routine that I stick to fairly consistently is my morning ritual. I wake up between 4:30am and 5am almost every morning (including weekends). My mornings are a time to tackle thought-intensive tasks, or approach projects with a new perspective. I consider 5-8AM my power hours, and try to get through one significant undertaking before 8AM each day. The rest of the day is dedicated to making myself available to customers and unblocking things for my team so they can hit their goals and take the company forward. Ideally, I will carve out at least one hour a day to perform what I call “winning outreach.” This entails calling or writing to someone in my extended network that will likely have some influence over a problem we’re trying to solve, a connection we’re trying to make, or a deal we’re trying to close.
A lot has been in the news about tech companies stepping up in making big strides in maternity and paternity leave? Why do you think the tech industry is on the cutting edge of these innovations and do you think they’re doing enough? It’s great that the tech industry is making significant strides in offering stronger parental options and benefits. From lengthier parental leave, support for fertility planning, or just extra stipends to cover the cost of childcare, it’s important that companies are giving parents the flexibility to choose what’s right for them and their families.
Sadly many people are quick to judge and exercise their opinions about parental choices. Most recently, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s decision to return to work after two weeks of maternity leave sparked industry-wide debate. Male business leaders are rarely questioned when they return to work within weeks of an equally significant life event. How new parents choose to balance work and family is a very personal decision for every parent, regardless of their gender or their role in a company. It is commendable that companies are finding creative ways to support new parents through these kinds of decisions. Certainly we can do more, but it’s a step in the right direction.
What books, art or media have had the greatest impact on your life?
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss is my favorite book of all time. It’s literally timeless and applies to men, women and children of any age. The excerpt I like to recite to all the young people in my life is “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
What resources do you draw upon to motivate yourself through life’s challenges?
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
Are there any resources that you would suggest to young women who would like to follow in your footsteps?
It’s never too early to start establishing your “Personal Board of Directors.” This should consist of people who are supportive of you ambitions and help unblock the things that are in your way. This starts with friends, family and teachers when you are young, but grows into an ecosystem of all the players in your network that have been a champion for you during your journey. Your Personal Board of Directors can change and evolve as you navigate through the various stages of your life.
I am a Founder of a foundation called 4B Global which aims to inspire and empower young women to unlock their potential as leaders. Early next year, we will be releasing two programs “Junior Executives” and “Hotseat” that young women can leverage to further their journey as an entrepreneur.
[su_follow_guest twitter=”https://twitter.com/NEHASF”]Neha Sampat[/su_follow_guest]
[su_spotlightheader who=”Bella Acton” what=”Founder & CEO of Never Liked It Anyway” where=”Los Angeles, CA”]
August and September have always had the scent of back-to-school in the air. But rather than the new school clothes and folders with heart throbs plastered on them that I looked forward to as a kid, as an adult I always take this time to start anew by embracing the adage: out with the old and in with the new.
As fortune would have it, our latest Spotlight On guest has carved out a business from tossing out the old and making room for the new. Bella Acton is the founder & CEO of Never Liked It Anyway, a site where you can jettison the pain and refuse from your recent breakup and transform that breakup baggage into new shiny things that will help you rebound. The website is more than a marketplace though, it is also a refuge filled with women who know just how you feel. In this Shangri-La, she has managed to create a place where not only can you “buy it” or “sell it” but you can also reach a community where you can “tell it” too, sharing your breakup stories and finding solace in the fact that you are not alone. I talked to the cheeky entrepreneur about the worst breakup stories she’s ever heard, the importance of not taking yourself too seriously, and the upside of getting dumped 5 days before Christmas.
[/su_spotlightheader]
Where did the idea for “Never Liked It Anyway” come from? My boyfriend broke up with me 5 days before Christmas. We were meant to go back to London to have Christmas with his family, and suddenly I had these plane tickets that I no longer wanted. I started thinking about all these other things I had that I didn’t want any more – they were all perfectly nice – but I knew I wouldn’t want them anymore. I mean, who would want to wear jewelry around your neck from your ex?! I started joking about a site that would let you offload your breakup baggage – I wanted to make it playful and positive and warm. Everyone laughed (including my ex). I then investigated the world of breakups and found there wasn’t really anything out there. The things I found were either really mean, bitter and evil or a big soft (and pointless) group hug. There was nothing with attitude, cheekiness and something built around definitive action – sell something and use the money to buy something that will make you feel great! So, armed with this personal and universal insight, I set off to bring my idea to life.
Is that why you came up with Bounce Back Box? Yes! There’s a lot more to Never Liked It Anyway than just selling your breakup baggage. It’s really about helping people get back to fabulous and return them to their best selves. The Bounce Box was an idea to help our community do just that! Often, after a breakup, there’s only so much your friends can say and then you really just need to pick yourself back up. Something about the idea sparked something in the team, so we decided to pursue it. When it came to selecting what went in the box; we wanted a broad range of stuff. Obviously, there were the expected things like mascara, lip gloss and nail polish, but we wanted to think a bit more holistically about feeling better so we introduced things like the tea and the candle. We also wanted to make sure it stayed on brand, so we chose to have a bit of fun with it and included the vibrator and condoms and sex course!
What was your impetus to make your idea a reality & to take the entrepreneurial leap?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart and had worked the concept up to a point where there were no good reasons NOT to go forward. I had shared the idea with anyone that would listen, and gradually incorporated their feedback so by the time I launched, I knew I had an interesting and different product on my hand. I didn’t know it would work, but by that point, if someone came and took the idea away from me and said I couldn’t go forward with it, I would have been really upset. That was how I knew I had to dive in; It was still a scary leap, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Did you have a background in business before you started? Yes. I worked as a an innovation and marketing consultant for about 8 years in Sydney, London and New York. My job was to come up with ideas for other people’s companies. I loved what I did as it was the perfect blend of strategy and creativity. I find that running a startup requires me to flex both these muscles at all times – it was the perfect training!
What’s the worst break up story you’ve heard? Anything to do with failed marriages always breaks my heart. We also often have women selling things to help pay for their expenses – often kid related. And that’s always really upsetting.
Are you in a relationship now? If so, how does your significant other feel about knowing you think about breakups all the time? I’m not in a relationship right now, but this is a great question! I worried about this a lot at the beginning but it became clear pretty quickly that guys are either intimidated by my business or admire my entrepreneurial streak and go get ‘em attitude! In that way, it’s a great pressure test. The sort of guy that is worried about my work isn’t right for me.
How did you put together financing & gather resources? At the beginning, I tried to find a partner with a tech background to help me build and launch it. I ended up meeting a bunch of people, none of whom took me very seriously. Apparently my idea was ‘cute’ but not serious enough for the tech world! No matter your idea, finding a co-partner can be hard – often you’re expected to give them 50% up front. It seems a little like marrying someone after a first date; you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into and it doesn’t really make sense! In the end, I saved up and paid someone to build the original site for me. In hindsight, this was the best thing for it. It meant I could keep creative control and ensure the brand stayed fun, cheeky and playful.
Walk us through a typical day in your life. Definitely no such thing! I spend my time working with my team on what content we’re going to produce for the week, checking in with our customers to make sure everyone’s having a great experience and then – increasingly – working with production companies and publishers to bring Never Liked It Anyway to the world of sitcoms, reality TV and books! It’s a really exciting time and really charged with creativity, which I love. Today, for example, I plan to write some sample chapters for our book, send 150 Bounce Back Boxes to Miami Swim Week and work with our partners Glam Squad on a video series called “Bounce Back”. Never a dull moment!!
[quote_right]I also try to give myself a break and not beat myself up over the small things. At the end of the day, my work is not that serious – I’m not saving lives or inventing a cure for cancer.[/quote_right]What resources do you draw upon to motivate yourself through life’s challenges? Friends and family. And talking things out. We have a tendency to only seek out our friends and family when things are fine rather than when we’re in the thick of our problems. I’m trying to get better at asking for help when I need it and it’s amazing what happens when you do! I also try to give myself a break and not beat myself up over the small things. At the end of the day, my work is not that serious – I’m not saving lives or inventing a cure for cancer. Keeping things in perspective helps to reduce day-to-day stress (which most of the time is over trivial things). What really matters is people – so I try to do the right thing by my team (I love my team!) and our customers. That brings me fulfillment and satisfaction.
Do you believe work-life balance is an achievable goal? Absolutely, and I’m fortunate enough to say I have that right now. Being your own boss can be tricky but the perks are immense. This is a small, but meaningful example – I’m not very good at working from about 3-5pm. I’ve always known it, but now I can do something about it. During these hours, I’ll go for a big beach walk with a friend. It clears my head and inspires me, and then I can get back to work. I’m also trying to work remotely for a month each year – and do that near my family. They live in Australia so making time to see them is really important to me.
Where do you find inspiration? I try to find it everywhere! Once a week, I try to take myself somewhere humbling and mind-blowing, just to keep it fresh – like the Getty, LACMA or even a studio in another part of town. I also really like to read funny things – especially historically funny things. Knowing that everyone from the Greeks to the Ottomans right up until today were having a good laugh is somehow very comforting to me. I try to read something creative as soon as I wake up (rather than check my phone… it’s hard, but I’m getting better!). It’s a much nicer way to start the day, fuelling up on creativity, rather than trawling through a FB feed.
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self? Go for it!! Launching Never Liked It Anyway has been the most wonderful experience. It’s taught me skills I never thought I’d be able to master and opened up doors I didn’t even know existed! It doesn’t look at all how I thought it would, but it’s truly incredible! Through Never Liked It Anyway, I’ve met so many amazing people, have written for places like Forbes on entrepreneurship, co-hosted a radio show and am working with an awesome company to develop a TV show based on the idea. There is no way I would have thought any of this were possible a few years ago! I encourage people to just make a start. You don’t have to get it right, just get going. Perfection is a big trap. Your idea will evolve, change and morph as you go – so just do it as soon as you can.
What’s your biggest vice?
Gelato and tequila. Not together. I try not to call them vices. I think the stress caused by trying to avoid ‘bad’ things is worse for you than the actual thing itself.
Great advice. What is the moment in your life that you felt the most “successful”? I feel successful now because I’m truly enjoying the life I’ve carved out for myself. I love my work, my friends, my family, my team and my puppy! I love the challenges, the independence, the freedom and learnings that come with running your own business and trying things you have no idea how to do! Though some days I feel stuck in an entrepreneurial funk and wonder why I signed up for it, I wouldn’t change it for anything. On the whole, enjoying the day-to-day is probably the most meaningful ‘success’ I’ve experienced.
What do you consider to be your hardest won or most treasured life lesson? Honestly, probably going through breakups. They really do make you feel awful and knock you down into the ground. Then, you have to climb back inside yourself, do a bit of digging and rediscover all the bits about you that are great. You dust them off, polish them up a little and then come back brighter, happier and more whole than ever. It’s an incredible transformation to go through and you always end up in a better place.
Where do you see your future? I hope to do a lot more creative writing and also help other women launch their own businesses. I feel really strongly about female entrepreneurs and creating communities and opportunities for us to flaunt what we’ve got! I hope to create a community of kick-ass women to help us all soar. I’m a firm believer in Shine Theory – when you shine your light on those around you, we all grow brighter.
[su_follow_guest instagram=”http://instagram.com/neverlikedit/” facebook=”https://www.facebook.com/neverlikeditanyway” twitter=”https://twitter.com/neverlikedit”]Never Liked It Anyway[/su_follow_guest]